DONATION   BY 


DR.  AND  MRS.  ELMER    BELT 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 

GIFT  OF 


DR.  AND  MRS.  ELMER  BELT 


V 


'llli 


I.'   > 


HOSPITAL  PENCILLmaS 


A    DIARY 

WHILE  IN  JEFFETISON  GENERAL  HOSPITAL, 

JEFEERSONVILLE,   IND.,  AND  OTHERS   AT   NASHVILLE 

TENNESSEE, 


MATRON    AND    VISITOR, 


By  ELVIRA  J.  POWERS. 


"  And  at  each  step, 

His  bloody  falchion  makes 

Terrible  vistas,  through  which  victory  breaks. 

We  may  tread  the  sick-bed  floors 

Where  strong  men  pine, 
And,  down  the  groaning  corridori. 
Pour  freely  from  our  liberal  stores 

The  oil  and  wine." 


BOSTON: 

EDWARD     L.  MITCHELL,    24    CONGRESS    STREET 
186G. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1S66, 

By  ELVIRA  J.  POWERS, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  District  of  Massachusetts 


At 
X 

F 

TO  OUR 

LOYAL     COUNTRYWOMEN, 

WHO,  AT  HOME,  IX  CAMP,   FIELD,   OH  CITY  HOSPITAL, 

BY  PURITY,  TRUE  WOMANLINESS,  AND  THAT  LABOR  WHICH  IS 

WORSHIP, 

"  BY  EVERY  DEED   OP  GOOD  THAT  ANYWHERE 

MAKl-TH   THE  HANDS  OF  HOLY   AVOMAN  WHITE;'' 

HAVE  CONTRIBUTED  TO  THE  AID,  COMFORT  AND  CONSOLATION 

OF   OUR 

SICK,     WOUNDED,     AND     D^ING 
"BRAVES     IN     BLUE;" 

AND  TO  THE  MEMORY  OF  THOSE  WHO  HAVE  FALLEN   VICTIMS 
TO  THIS  LABOR  OF  LOVE, 

IS  THIS   HUMBLE  VOLUME 

AFFECTIONATELY    DEDICATED. 


PREFACE. 


Some  one  has  said  "  books  are  our  best  friends."  If  this 
be  true,  what  need  is  there  to  offer  an  apology  for  presenting 
one  more  to  the  notice  of  the  public  ?  And  yet,  as  the  asser- 
tion is  true  only  of  those  which  leave  no  stain  upon  the  mind, 
but  rather  like  the  insensible  action  of  the  sun  and  dew  upon 
the  bleaching  linen  on  the  greensward,  leave  it  purer  than 
before,  it  is  well  to  know  what  is  presented  for  our  perusal. 

The  inducement  which  the  author  had  for  offering  this  little 
A'olume  to  the  public  w^as  the  fact  that  at  the  commencement 
of  this  four  years'  war,  it  was  next  to  impossible  to  obtain 
any  information  upon  the  subject  of  the  duties  and  trials  of 
women  nurses  in  military  hospitals.  This  fact,  together  with 
the  terrible  stories  afloat  with  regard  to  such  duties  and  trials, 
was  the  cause  of  her  not  entering  the  service  two  years  sooner. 
The  papers  were  almost  silent  upon  the  subject  until  about 
this  time,  when  the  little  which  appeared  was  read  with  ex- 
ceeding avidity. 

Although  this  war  has  eliminated  much  in  the  way  of 
musical,  poetical  and  literary  talent,  yet  comparatively  little 
has  appeared  pertaining  to  the  minutia  of  hospital  service. 
But  that  little  has  such  a  charm  for  the  author,  that  she  has 
hoped  her  own  record  of  experiences  and  observations  may 
be  received  with  something  of  the  feeling  with  wliich  she 
welcomes  others. 


VI.  PREFACE. 

Indeed  she  has  some  earnest  hope  of  this  in  the  fact  that 
some  part  of  "  Hospital  Pencillings  "  were  published  in  the 
Neio  Covenant^  of  Chicago,  Illinois,  where  they  "  attracted 
much  attention." 

Not  professing  to  treat  of  hospital  life  as  a  whole  through- 
out the  country,  it  gives  a  simple  record  of  scenes  and  events, 
just  as  they  occurred  from  day  to  day  under  her  own  observa- 
tion.    Thus  much  for  the  matter. 

As  regards  the  manner,  if  it  will  have  any' influence  towards 
softening  the  point  of  the  critic's  stiletto  to  know  that  much 
of  it  was  written  in  a  sick  ward,  while  surrounded  by  sick 
and  wounded  soldiers,  momentarily  interrupted  with  questions, 
or  in  short  intervals  of  leisure  between  caring  for  their  wants, 
or  after  the  day's  labor  was  over  and  the  worn  nerves  called 
instead  for 

"  Tired  nature's  sweet  restorer," 

he  is  more  than  welcome  to  a  knowledge  of  the  fact. 

In  conclusion,  if  this  little  volume  will  serve  to  awaken  a 
deeper  interest  in  and  a  wider  appreciation  of  our  invalid  and 
crippled  soldiers,  as 

"  They  are  coining  from  the  wars. 
And  bringing  home  their  scars," 

so  that  they  shall  be  benefitted  by  such  interest  and  apprecia- 
tion, one  more  cause  for  gratitude  to  the  All-Father  will  be 
granted 

The  Author. 


C(3NTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I.— The  Trip  to  Dixie.  Incidents  at  Louisville  De- 
pot.    The  Judge.     Arrival  at  "  City-of-the-Rocks."  .  1 

CHAPTER  II. — Incidents  and  Personal  Histories  in  Hospitals 

No.  1  and  8,  Nashville,  Tennessee.     "Wounded."    .         .  13 

CHAPTER  III.— Public  and  Private  Buildings  of  Nashville  and 
their  Desecration  by  "  Northern  Vandals."  Home  of  Ref- 
ugees.    Incidents 30 

CHAl'TER  IV.— Assigned  to  Duty  in  Small-Pox  Hospital. 
"  Sixty  Cases  of  Measles."  The  Crazy  Sergeant.  Oswald. 
Fishing  on  Dry  Ground.     Our  Dish  of  Oysters.       .         .  42 

CHAPTER  V. — Home  of  Christian  Commission.  Refugees 
Home.  '*  A  Woman  what  could  Read."  "  Yankees  have 
Horns."  A  Confiscated  Equipage.  A  Sermon  in  Camp. 
Sherman  starts  for  the  Front.  Colored  School.  A  Won- 
derful Secret.  A  Chaplain's  Short-comings.  "  Colored 
Preaching."     Aunt  Nancy 54 

CHAPTER  VI.— Day  of  Jubilee.  "  No  Whipping  Here,"  Lit- 
tle Clarke.  The  White  Negro.  The  Coffin  Measure. 
"  Miss  Betty."  Ruse  with  a  Maniac.  The  Secret  Mes- 
senger.    Lecture  in  the  Capitol  by  Moonlight.  '         .  70 

CHAPTER  VII.— A  Trip  on  the  Cumberiand,  Ohio  and  Missis- 
sippi Rivers  in  Charge  of  an  Invalid.  The  Dark  River. 
Convalescing.  Double  Rations.  Little  Ada's  Love  Feast. 
South  Again.     Clay  Hospital  at  Louisville.      ...  80 

CHAPTER  VIII.— Home  of  Sanitary  Commission,  Nashville, 
Tennessee.  The  Field  of  Cotton.  The  Capitol.  The 
Penitentiary  and  the  Maniac.  An  Evening  of  Incidents. 
The  Negro  Dance.     My  little  Contraband.       .         .         .  97 


Vlll.  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  IX.-^efferson  General  Hospital,  JefFersom-ille,  Indi- 
ana. Assigned  to  Dut}'.  Gangrene  Tents.  A  Letter  and 
Reply.  Sunday  Moniing  Inspection.  Funeral  Service. 
A  Sing  for  the  Patients.  Our  Crazy  Colonel.  Incidents. 
The  First  Death  in  Ward  I.  The  Starnng,  Patriotic 
Woman.  Christmas  Dinner.  Sergeant  Clarke.  Mrs. 
Partington's  Opinion  of  the  Hospital.  Mj  own  and  Rebel 
Loye  Letters 119 

CHAPTER  X.— A  New  Year's  Donation.  "  Youans  and  We- 
uns."  Transfer.  Our  Ladies'  Mess.  Letter  from  Guard 
House.  Hospital  Boats.  Sick  and  Wounded  Union  Sol- 
diers turned  out  of  Warm  Quarters  to  make  Room  for 
Rebels.  Deaths  from  Same  Cause.  Small-Pox  Patient. 
"  General  Sherman's  Flanking  Machine."  A  Victim  to 
Incon-ect  Diagnosis.  A  Family  of  Patriots.  Sanitary 
Stores.  An  Eastern  Hospital.  Willie's  Story.  Asleep 
on  Guard.  The  Grape- Vine  Telegraph.  Voracious  Pigs 
and  Chickens 153 

CHAPTER  XL — Blessings  of  the  Sanitary  Commission.  Inci- 
dents. The  Lesson  of  Lincoln's  Assassination.  "  Hospi- 
tal no  Place  to  form  Attachments."  Supper  in  the  Ward. 
Effects  of  Order  to  Discharge  Veterans.  Our  Flower  Gar- 
dens. Pi-esentations.  Soldier's  Library  kept  Boxed  up. 
"  A  Rainy  Day  in  Camp."  Clerking  at  Headquarters. 
Incidents.     Last  Day  in  Hospital.     Retrospection.  .         .         184 


HOSPITAL  PENCILLINGS, 


CHAPTER    I 

A    TRIP   TO    DIXIE. 


"  How  they  went  forth  to  die ! 
Pale,  earnest  thousands  from  the  dizzy  mills, 
And  sunburnt  thousands  from  the  harvest  hills, 
Quick,  eager  thousands  from  the  city's  streets, 
And  storm-tried  thousands  from  the  fisher's  fleets^ 

How  they  went  forth  to  die ! 

How  ye  went  forth  to  save  1 
O  Merciful !  with  swift  and  tireless  heed 
Along  the  myriad  ways  of  pain  and  need, 
With  laden  hand  and  ever  watchful  eye. 
Fixed  on  the  thousands  going  forth  to  die  1 

How  ye  went  forth  to  save  ! " 

On  boaed  the  "Gen.  Buell,'' 
Ohio  River,  April  1,  1864. 

Having  been  duly  commissioned  and  ordered  to  "  report; 
immediately  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  for  hospital  service  at  the 

front,"   my    friend,   Miss   N O ,   and   myself    find 

ourselves  steaming  down  the  Ohio,  between  Cincinnati  and 
Louisville. 

Thus  far  we  are  quite  ignorant  of  the  duties  of  hospital 
Ufe,  though  so  soon  to  enter  upon  them.  Our  Northern  friends 
have  been  questioned  to  little  purpose,  except  that  of  ascer- 
taining how  very  little  knowledge  there  is  upon  the  subject ; 
and  the  papers  are  equally  silent. 
1 


2  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

This  fact  determines  me  to  keep  some  sort  of  a  journal, 
however  imperfect.  It  will  of  course  necessarily  be  so,  as  I 
must  neglect  no  duty  for  the  sake  of  scribbling  about  it. 

We  have  just  been  seeking  information  of  our  gentle- 
manly^ escort,  Mr.  R.,  of  Louisville.  He,  it  appears,  has  an 
innate  love  of  humor  and  a  peculiarly  dry  and  quiet  way  of 
quizzing  people.  Here  was  a  fine  02:)portunity.  But  Ave  de- 
termine to  ward  off  the  attacks  as  skilfully  as  possible  with 
the  little  knov/ledge  we  do  possess.     He  says  : — 

"  Well,  ladies,  I  suppose  you  are  prepared  to  make  bread 
and  gruel,  sweep  and  moj),  make  beds,  dress  wounds  and 
plough  ?  " 

In  rejDly  the  gentleman  was  informed  that  had  we  not  been 
proficient  in  each,  especially  the  ploughing,  we  should  never 
have  dared  to  make  application  for  the  situation. 

He  explained  by  informing  us  that  one  of  the  Southern 
refugees,  who  confessed  herself  unable  to  do  either  of  the 
( jthers,  said  she  "  could  plough." 

"  Arid  I  suppose  3-ou  have  each  brought  good  knives  along 
with  you?  "  was  the  next  query. 

"Knives — oh  yes,  but  for  what  purpose  do  you  mean?" 
And  visions  of  being  set  to  amputate  limbs  or  to  protect  our- 
selves against  personal  assaults  flitted  through  our  minds. 

"  Well,  nothing,  only  you'll  have  an  enormous  amount  of 
onions  to  peel  for  those  boys  down  there.  You  can  peel  those 
during  the  night,  for  you'll  hardly  have  time  in  the  day,  that's 
tlie  way  I  used  to  do." 

"  Did  you  ?  That's  pleasant  employment.  I've  practised 
it  considerably  myself,  but  didn't,  like  you,  have  the  satisfac- 
tion of  knowing  during  the  grievous  operation  tliat  I  was 
shedding  tears  for  the  irood  of  my  country." 

Then  he  wished  to  know  whether  in  our  visits  to  the  sick 
wards  we  should  "  notice  only  the  good  looking  ones."     Uj^on 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  3 

being  informed  that  we  have  fully  determined  to  minister  to 
such  only  as  looked  as  if  they  were  ministers,  doctors,  lawyers 
or  editors,  the  gentleman  seemed  satisfied  that  we  were  fully 
fitted  for  the  service.  Still  he  felt  called  upon  to  caution  us 
against  excessive  attention  even  to  such,  by  relating  that  one 
of  the  class  was  asked  by  a  lady  visitor  if  she  might  "  comb 
his  hair." 

"  Yes — you — may,''  meekly  responded  the  sufferer,  ''  but  it 
will  be  the  thirteenth  time  to  day." 

Evening. 

Just  at  sunset  we  passed  North  Bend,  and  had  a  glimpse 
of  the  tomb  of  President  Harrison.  The  remains  of  Mrs. 
Harrison  have  within  the  last  thirty  days  been  laid  by  the  side 
of  the  old  hero.  The  place  was  pointed  out  by  Dr.  S.,  of 
Louisville,  who  is  a  second  cousin  to  Mrs.  Harrison.  He  in- 
formed us  that  the  brother  of  his  grandfather  received  a  grant 
of  all  the  land  lying  between  the  "  Big  and  Little  Miami," 
and  extending  back  sixteen  miles  from  their  mouths.  4500 
acres  of  this  was  willed  to  the  grandfather  of  the  Doctor  and 
about  the  same  to  the  mother  of  Mrs.  H. 

Dr.  S.  also  informed  us  that  he  was  the  only  one  in  Louis- 
ville who  voted  for  Lincoln.  That  the  polls  were  twice 
declared  closed,  and  the  clerk  with  oaths  refused  to  record  his 
vote,  when  the  son  of  one  of  our  Generals — I  regret  having 
forgotten  the  name — peremptorily  ordered  it  done  ;  when  an 
A.  and  L.  and  a  long  black  stroke  was  dashed  ujion  the  record. 
The  baser  sort  had  all  day  threatened  hanging  him  ui)on  the 
back  porch,  but  at  the  close  of  the  day  most  of  them  were 
safely  intoxicated. 

The  Doctor  has  the  sad  trial  of  losing  a  son,  Avho  had  by 
the  offer  of  military  emolument  been  drawn  into  the  Confed- 
erate service.     He  was  wounded  or  taken  sick  and  carried  to 


4  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

Ohio,  where  a  brother  took  care  of  him  till  his  death.  The 
father  wished  him  brought  home,  and  funeral  services  per- 
formed, but  the  military  authorities  of  Louisville  forbade  it,  as 
similar  occasions  had  drawn  out  crowds  of  two  or  three 
thousands  of  secession  proclivities.  Then  he  was  buried  in 
Ohio,  but  when  the  citizens  of  the  loyal  little  town  learned 
that  he  had  been  in  the  Confederate  service,  they  ol)liged  Dr. 
S.  to  remove  the  body.  That  such  staunch  loyalists  should 
suffer  innocently  is  one  of  the  saddest  features  of  this  re- 
bellion. 

In  the  course  of  conversation  this  evening  we  were  informed 
by  the  Doctor  that  we  were  to  pass  the  next  day  within  seven 
miles  of  Mammoth  Cave.  And  he  spoke  of  the  subterranean 
streams  and  mills  in  the  vicinity,  and  of  the  blind  fishes  in 
the  waters  of  the  Cave. 

"  Yes,"  said  Mr.  R.,  in  his  usual  serious  way,  "  and  I  be- 
lieve that  is  where  your  people  go  a  craw-fishing  ! " 

The  Doctor  replied  in  the  affirmative,  but  in  a  tone  which 
excited  my  curiosity.  Here  was  a  chance  to  add  to  my  rather 
meagre  stock  of  knowledge  in  natural  history,  and  with  the 
anxiety  of  a  reporter  for  something  out  of  which  to  manufac- 
ture an  item,  I  inquired  what  kind  of  fish  those  were — if  that 
was  the  name  given  to  those  blind  fishes  in  the  cave.  To  my 
astonishment  a  universal  laugh  greeted  me  from  the  trio.  An 
explanation  followed ;  and  it  seems  that  the  same  or  something 
similar  to  what  at  the  North  we  find  in  creeks  and  ditches, 
and  call  fresh-water  crabs,  there  bear  the  name  of  craw-fish. 
And  moreover  as  those  crawl  backward,  they  have  attached 
a  meaning  to  the  term,  so  that  when  a  man  "  puts  his  hand 
to  the  plough  and  looks  back,"  he  is  said  to  have  "  gone  a 
craw-fishing."  So,  like  that  notable  traveller  in  Pickwick 
Papers,  I  can  make  a  note  of  the  discovery  of  a  new  kind  of 
fish  of  the  skedaddle  genus.     Hallicarnassus  was  decidedly 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  5 

wrong  in  thinking  one  can  sail  around  the  world  in  an  arm- 
chair. He  should  have  considerately  assisted  that  big  trunk 
down  stairs,  and  benignly  seconded  Gail's  efforts  to  go  abroad 
and  see  the  world,  for  peradventure  she  might  learn  something 
even  about  craw-fish, 

Saturday,  April  2. 

Reached  the  "  City  of  the  Falls  "  in  the  night.  Left  the 
boat  about  six  this  morning,  took  a  hasty  breakftist  at  the 
"  National,"  then  a  hack  for  the  depot,  calling  at  the  office  of 
Provost  INFarshal  to  secure  passes  on  train  to  Nashville.  Am 
pleasantly  impressed  with  Louisville.  A  pretty  green  plot 
in  front  of  private  residences,  even  if  quite  small,  with  linden, 
ailanthus  and  magnolia  trees,  are  peculiarities  of  the  city.  It 
is  too  early  for  the  foliage  of  the  trees  to  be  seen,  but  the 
deep  green,  thick  grass  and  the  blossoms  of  the  daffodil  are 
in  striking  contrast  to  the  snow  I  saw  in  the  latitude  of  Chi- 
cago and  Buffalo  only  day  before  yesterda}^ 

The  cars  are  now  so  crowded  with  soldiers  en  route  for 
"  the  front,"  that  it  is  quite  difficult  for  citizens  to  find  pass- 
age. Some  have  to  wait  several  days  before  they  can  find  an 
opportunity.  Only  one  car  is  appropriated  for  this  use,  and 
ladies  with  their  escort  always  have  the  preference.  Thus 
gentlemen  who  are  alone  are  liable  to  be  left.  As  we  were 
leaving  the  "  National "  this  morning  a  gentleman  rushed  out 
and  in(|uired  if  we  were  going  to  take  the  Southern  train, 
and  if  there  was  only  one  gentleman  to  the  two  ladies.  lie 
"  begged  pardon — knew  he  was  a  stranger — wished  to  go  to 
Bowling  Green—his  wife  was  sick  and  he  had  written  her  lie 
would  be  home  to-day.  If  the  ladies  would  be  so  kind  as  to 
pass  him  along,  and  if  the  gentleman  would  step  with  him 
into  the  office  he  could  convince  him,  through  the  keeper  of 
the  "  National,"  that  he  was  a  man  of  honor." 
2 


b  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

Mr.  R.  referred  the  matter  to  the  ladies.  They  decided  to 
take  under  their  protecting  wing  the  lone  gentleman  and  see 
him  safe  home  if  the  interview  with  the  landlord,  with  whom 
Mr.  R.  was  fortunately  acquainted,  should  prove  satisfactory. 
It  was  so,  and  Mr.  Moseby — not  the  guerilla  as  himself  in- 
formed us — entered  the  hack.  He  had  "  taken  the  oath  of 
allegiance,"  he  said,  and  "lived  up  to  it,  but  had  a  right  to 
his  own  thoughts." 

Upon  arriving  at  the  depot  found  the  ladies'  car  locked, 
and  we  were  left  standing  by  it  while  the  two  gentleman 
looked  after  the  baggage.  Mr.  R.  was  not  to  accompany  us 
farther.  Soon  an  elderly,  jiale-looking  man,  with  a  white 
neck-tie,  came  up,  who  asked  if  we  each  had  a  gentleman 
travelling  with  us.  We  hesitated  and  evaded  the  question. 
This  was  being  in  too  great  demand  altogether.  It  was  not 
even  included  in  Mr.  R.'s  list  of  our  duties.  He  "was 
really  hoping  we  had  not,  and  that  one  of  us  would  take  pity 
on  an  old  man  and  pass  him  along." 

His  fatherly  look  and  manner  banished  selfishness,  and  he 
was  told  to  wait  until  the  gentlemen  returned,  and  we  would 
see  about  it.  As  they  did  so  Mr.  Moseby  stepped  up  and 
cordially  shook  hands  with  the  old  man,  calling  him  "  Judge." 
But  all  Southerners  are  styled  judges,  captains,  colonels  or 
generals,  thought  I,  and  this  one  is  an  honest  old  farmer  nev- 
ertheless. As  Mr.  M.  assured  us  that  he  was  "  all  right," 
and  a  "  man  of  honor,"  I  told  him  he  might  occupy  half  of 
my  seat  in  the  car.  But  it  was  not  long  before  I  found  that 
my  poor  old  farmer  was  no  less  a  personage  than  Judge 
Joseph  R.  Underwood,  one  of  the  most  noted  men  and  pio- 
neers of  Kentucky.  He  has  been  Judge  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  that  State  six  years,  a  United  States  Representative 
for  ten  years  and  a  Senator  for  six. 

A  spruce  little  Captain  came  through  to  examine  military 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  7 

passes  before  the  cars  started.  Quite  a  number  of  citizens 
were  left  as  usual,  and  as  we  were  moving  off  I  heard  one 
young  man  exclaim  in  desperation  that  he  would  "  go  right 
back  to  the  city  and  marry."  The  gentlemen  congratulated 
themselves  upon  their  good  fortune,  and  the  subject  elicited 
the  following  incidents : 

A  gentleman  of  Mr.  M.'s  acquaintance  could  get  no  admis- 
sion to  the  cars,  no  lady  would  take  him  under  her  care,  and 
he  asked  the  baggage  agent  if  he  might  get  in  the  baggage 
car.     That  functionary  said  he  had  orders  to  admit  no  one. 

*'  Then  you'll  not  give  me  permission,  but  if  I  get  in  will 
you  put  me  out  ? " 

No  answer  was  made,  but  the  agent  walked  away,  and  the 
man,  thinking  like  children,  that  "  silence  gives  consent,"  en- 
tered the  baggage  car  and  remained. 

Another  gentleman,  a  merchant  of  Bowling  Green,  by 
name  F —  C — ,  could  get  no  chance  to  ride.  But  fortunately 
having  on  a  blue  coat,  in  desperation  he  stepped  up  to  a  man 
with  the  two  bars  on  his  shoulder  who  was  jDuttiug  his  sol- 
diers aboard,  and  said  with  a  pleading  look  and  tone : 

"  Captain,  can't  you  lengthen  out  my  furlough  just  two  days 
longer  ?  " 

'*No,"  said  the  Captain,  in  a  quick  authoritative  tone, 
"  you've  been  loafing  'round  these  streets  long  enough,  in  with 
you,"  and  he  made  a  motion  as  if  he  would  materially  assist 
his  entrance  if  he  didn't  hurry. 

"  Well,  if  I  must  I  must,  but  its  hai'd,  Captain." 

^  No  more  words,"  was  the  short  reply,  "  in  with  you." 

Another  was  related  by  an  eye  witness.  A  lady  who  was 
travelling  alone  was  about  stej^ping  into  the  car,  when  a  gen- 
tleman, who  was  trembling  with  anxiety  lest  he  should  be 
left,  stepped  uj")  and  offered  to  take  her  box.  He  did  so,  and 
stepping  in  behind  was  allowed  a  seat  by  her  side,  cautiously 


8  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

retaining  the  box.  He  had  two  comrades  equally  desirous  of 
securing  a  passage,  who  had  seen  his  success.  One  of  them 
stepped  to  the  car  window  and  whispered  him  to  pass  out  the 
box.  It  was  slyly  done,  and  the  gentleman  marched  solemnly 
in  with  the  weighty  responsibility.  The  box  went  through 
the  window  again,  and  again  walked  in  at  the  door,  until  it 
must  have  been  thoroughly  "  taken  in  "  as  well  as  the  guard. 

Just  out  of  the  city  w^e  passed  a  camjD  and  saw  soldiers 
lying  under  the  little  low  "  dog  tents  "  as  they  are  called,  and 
in  the  deejp^  clay  7nud,  while  only  a  few  rods  distant  was  a 
plenty  of  green  sward.  Any  officer  who  woidd  compel  his 
men  to  pitch  tents  where  those  were  ought  to  be  levelled  to 
the  ranks. 

I  saw"  for  the  first  time  to-day,  fortifications,  stockades,  rifle- 
pits,  and  mounted  cannon  at  the  bridges.  We  passed  over  the 
battle-ground  of  Mumfordsville,  and  saw  the  burnt  fences  and 
tlie  levelled  trees  wdiich  were  to  obstruct  the  march  of  our 
troops,  and  the  building  which  was  used  by  them  as  a  hospi- 
tal. In  the  deep  cut  passes  one  sees  suddenly  the  picturesque 
figure  of  a  negro  soldier,  far  above  upon  the  heights,  who 
with  shining  uniform  and  glittering  bayonet  stands  like  a 
statue,  guarding  the  portals  of  liberty.  At  the  fortifications 
are  sign-boards  upon  which  are  printed  in  large  letters, 
"  Please  a  drop  a  paper,"  while  perhaj^s  half  a  dozen  hands 
point  to  it  as  the  train  whirls  past.  Some  paj)ers  were  thrown 
out.  There  were  other  things  which  had  for  our  Northern 
eyes  the  charm  of  novelty.  A  half  respectable  or  squalid 
farm-house,  with  a  huge  chimney  upon  the  outside,  and  with 
a  huddle  of  negro  quarters.  Also  negro  women  with  turbans 
upon  their  heads,  working  out  of  doors,  and  driving  teams — 
in  one  case  on  a  load  of  tobacco,  while  driving  a  yoke  of 
oxen.  The  total  absence  of  country  school-houses,  and  the 
squalid  and  shiftless  appearance  of  the  buildings  and  peoj)le 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  9 

at  the  depots,  are  in  striking  contrast  to  the  neat  little  towns 
of  the  Northern  and  Eastern  States.  The  scenery  is  fine, 
much  of  the  soil  good,  and  the  water-power  extensive.  Nature 
has  dealt  bountifully  with  Tennessee  and  Kentucky,  but  the 
accursed  system  of  slavery  has  blasted  and  desolated  the  land, 
and  both  races,  black  and  white,  are  reaping  the  mildewed 
harvest. 

I  find  my  honorable  companion  very  entertaining  and  in- 
structive. I  am  indebted  to  him  for  many  items  of  interest, 
both  concerning  the  early  settlers,  and  also  the  modern  history 
of  the  places  we  pass.  His  personal  history  is  full  of  interest, 
and  is  one  more  proof  that  early  poverty  is  not  necessarily  a 
barrier  to  honor  and  position.  The  Judge  was  given  away 
by  his  parents  to  an  uncle,  who  educated  him,  gave  him  five 
dollars  and  told  him  he  must  then  make  his  own  way  in  the 
world.  Another  uncle  lent  him  a  horse,  and  he  set  out  to 
seek  his  fortune  as  lawyer  and  politician.  He  has  in  trust 
the  fortune  of  an  eccentric  old  bachelor,  which  is  known  in 
Warren  County  as  the  Craddock  fund.  Three-fourths  of  this 
is  used  to  educate  charity  children,  while  the  other  fourth  pays 
the  .Judge  for  his  care  of  the  fund.  His  friend  Captain  C, 
while  upon  his  death-bed,  sent  for  the  drummer  and  fifer  to 
play  tunes  in  the  yard,  and  from  those  selected  such  as  he 
wished  played  at  his  funeral.  He  was  buried  with  military 
honors. 

'-^  Muldroughs-Hill "  which  we  saw,  is  a  long  ridge  extend- 
ing about  one  hundred  miles  from  the  mouth  of  Salt-River 
to  the  head  of  Rolling-Fork.  It  was  named  from  an  early 
settler  who  lived  twenty  miles  from  the  others,  and  was  far- 
thest west.  Rolling-Fork  is  a  tributary  of  Salt-River.  The 
origin  of  the  term  "  going  up  Salt-River "  originated  at  a 
little  place  we  passed,  now  called  Shepherdsville.  It  has 
only  four  or  five  hundred  inhabitants.     But  in  its  early  days 


10  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

its  salt  licks  supplied  all  the  Western  country  with  salt,  and 
was  a  growing  aspirant  for  popularity,  as  it  invited  so  much 
trade.  It  was  a  rival  of  Louisville,  but  unlike  that,  made  no 
provision  for  its  future  well-being,  but  depended  on  its  pre- 
sent worth  alone.  "  Thus,"  moralized  the  Judge,  "  do  we  often 
see  two  young  men  start  out  with  equal  advantages,  and  find 
afterw^ard  that  one  became  a  Shepherdsville,  and  the  other  a 
Louisville."  Now  there  is  a  bridge  at  Shepherdsville  guarded 
by  cannon,  then  there  was  no  bridge  and  ferry-boats  were  used. 
It  was  not  a  smooth  stream,  and  to  cross,  one  must  row  up 
tlie  river  some  one  hundred  rods  before  heading  the  boat  to 
the  opposite  shore.  Owing  to  the  rapidity  of  the  current,  it 
was  hard  rowing,  and  great  strength  was  needed.  There 
were  those  engaged  in  the  making  of  salt  who  were  called 
kettle-tenders,  and  who  for  the  most  part  were  a  low,  rough 
set,  being  often  intoxicated  and  quarrelsome.  Two  of  these 
having  a  fight,  the  victor  finished  with  the  triumphant  excla- 
mation of 

"  There,  I've  rowed  you  up  Salt  River  !" 

Lincoln's  birth-place  is  near  this,  in  the  adjoining  County 
of  Larue — although  this  was  not  the  name  at  the  time  of  his 
birth.  And  how  little  did  the  mother  of  Lincoln  think,  as 
she  taught  him  the  little  she  knew  of  books,  that  the  people 
in  the  vicinity  would  ever  have  cause  to  exclaim  of  him,  in 
relation  to  his  rival  for  the  Presidency,  as  the}^  do  of  the 
successful  politician — "  he  has  rowed  him  ujd  Salt  River  !" 

There  is  a  little  river  called  "  Xolin,"  which  waters  his 
birth-place.  It  was  so  named  from  the  fact  that  in  the  early 
settlement  upon  its  banks  a  man  named  Linn  was  lost  in  the 
woods,  and  never  found.  He  was  probably  killed  by  the  In- 
dians. But  the  neighbors  searched  for  several  days,  and  at 
night  met  at  a  place  upon  its  banks,  calling  to  each  other  as 
they  came  in,  "  No  Linn," — "  No  Linn,  yet." 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  11 

The  Judge  has  carried  lead  in  his  body  for  over  fifty  years, 
received  in  the  war  of  1812.  He  was  in  the  battle  on  the 
Maumee  river  called  Dudley's  defeat.  The  regiment,  under 
Dudley,  had  crossed  the  river  to  take  cannon  of  the  enemy, 
which  they  succeeded  in  doing,  but  instead  of  returning  they 
pursued  them  two  or  three  miles,  leaving  a  few  behind  to 
protect  the  captures.  But  a  detachment  of  the  enemy  passexl 
around  in  their  rear,  retook  the  cannon,  and  when  the  regi- 
ment returned,  their  retreat  was  cut  off,  and  all  were  taken 
prisoners  and  obliged  to  run  the  gauntlet.  About  forty  were 
killed  in  running  the  gauntlet.  The  Judge  saw  that  the  line 
of  men  which  had  formed  at  a  little  distance  from,  and  par- 
allel with  the  river,  had  a  bend  in  it,  and  that  if  he  ran  close 
to  the  guns  they  would  not  dare  fire  for  fear  of  hitting  their 
own  men.  The  Indians  were  armed  with  guns,  tomahawks, 
and  war  clubs.  In  that  day  the  gun  was  accompanied  with 
what  was  called  the  "  wiping-stick,"  which  was  a  rod  made  of 
hickory  notched,  and  wound  with  tow,  and  used  to  clean  the 
gim.  He  escaped  by  receiving  a  whipping  with  some  oftho.se 
sticks.     It  was  the  last  gauntlet  ever  run  in  the  United  States. 

During  the  trip  I  had  quite  a  spirited  but  good-natured 
discussion  upon  the  condition  of  the  country,  with  Mr.  M., 
who  I  found  is  really  a  strong  rebel  symjDathizer.  He  wor- 
ships Morgan  since  his  late  raid  into  Ohio,  and  secretly  cher- 
ishes his  picture  in  his  vest  pocket.  Just  before  reaching 
Bowling  Green,  where  we  were  to  separate,  the  fatherly  old 
Judge  took  a  hand  of  each  in  his  own,  and  with  moisture  in 
his  eyes  and  a  tremor  in  his  voice,  said : 

"  My  children,  you  represent  the  two  antagonistic  positions 
of  tlie  country,  and  like  those,  do  not  rightly  understand  each 
other,  on  account  of  sectional  prejudices.  And  now  let  an 
old  man  who  has  watched  the  growth  of  both  sections,  who 
has,  as  he  trusts,  fought  for  their  good  in  the  field,  the  desk, 


12  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

and  senate,  join  your  hands  in  the  grasp  of  good  fellowship, 
and  oh,  how  sincerely  I  wish  that  I  could  bring  also  together 
the  North  and  South  in  one  lasting  peace  V 

Soon  after,  he  pointed  out  his  residence — the  cars  stopped, 
and  we  parted  with  our  pleasant  friends. 

Reached  the  "  City  of  the  Eocks  "  about  five,  this  P.  M. 
Shall  wait  to  see  more  of  it,  before  making  note  of  impres- 
sions. 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  13 


CHAPTER    II. 

Nashyille,  Tenn.,  Thursday  Evening,  April  7. 

The  present  week,  tlius  far,  has  been  to  me,  full  of  new  and 
thrilling  experiences. 

On  Sabbath,  the  day  after  our  arrival,  I  entered  an  ambu- 
lance and  visited  a  camp  for  the  first  time.  The  company  con- 
sisted of  three,  besides  myself — Rev.  Dr.  D.,  a  young  theologi- 
cal student  who  is  passing  vacation  here,  and  Miss  T.  The  day 
was  warm  and  springlike  ;  the  hyacinths,  crocuses,  and  peach 
ti-ees  in  blossom.  It  was  the  camp  of  the  7th  Pennsylvania 
Cavalry,  and  situated  upon  one  of  the  bights  overlooking  the 
City.  The  tents  were  white,  the  soldiers  well-dressed,  the 
uniform  bright  and  everything  tidy.  A  new  and  gaily  paint- 
ed banner  pointed  out  the  tent  of  the  Colonel.  As  we  en- 
tered the  grounds,  that  gentleman,  with  the  Major,  met  us  cor- 
dially, a  seat  was  prepared  for  the  ladies  at  the  opening  of 
the  Colonel's  tent,  while  a  huge  box  in  front  served  for  a 
speaker's  stand.  The  bugle  then  summoned  such  as  wished  to 
listen,  and  service  was  held  by  the  two  gentlemen  of  our 
party.  Books  and  papers  were  afterward  distributed,  for 
which  the  soldiers  seemed  eager.  The  Colonel  informed  us 
that  the  Regiment  had  just  been  reorganized,  and  new  re- 
cruits filled  the  vacant  places  in  the  ranks,  made  so  by  the  he- 
roes, who  fell  at  such  battles  as  Lookout  Mountain,  Mission 
Ridge,  and  Chickamauga.  There  is  a  long  list  of  such  in- 
scribed upon  this  banner,  of  which  they  are  justly  proud. 

On  Monday,  visited  a  hospital  for  the  first  time.  Was  ac- 
3 


14  HOSPITAL     PENCILLIXGS. 

companied  by  Mrs.  E.  P.  Smith,  Mrs.  Dr.  F.  and  my  travel- 
ling companion  Miss  0,  beside  the  driver.  As  the  ambulance 
halted,  we  saw  through  the  open  door  and  windows  the  home- 
sick, pallid  faces  raised  from  the  sick  beds  to  greet  us  with  a 
look  of  pleasure.  Upon  entering,  almost  the  first  object  was 
that  of  a  d^^ing  boy.  His  name  was  John  Camj^lin,  of  Co.  G. 
49th  Illinois  Vols.  He  was  a  new  recruit  of  only  seventeen, 
and  tlie  victim  of  measles.  He  "  did'nt  want  to  die,"  but,  af- 
ter the  singing  of  such  hymns  as  "  Rock  of  Ages,"  and  "  Je- 
sus lover  of  my  soul,"  he  grew  more  resigned.  I  took  the 
card  which  hung  in  a  little  tin  case  at  the  head  of  his  bed, 
and  copied  the  name  and  address  of  his  father.  The  dying 
boy  had  been  watching,  and  he  then  with  difficult  speech 
asked  me  to  write  to  his  j^eople  and  tell  them  "good  bye," 
and  that  he  was  "  going  home."  I  tried  to  obtain  a  more 
lengthy  message  to  comfort  them,  but  speech  was  soon  denied 
nd  reason  wandered.  He  died  a  few  hours  after,  and  the  sad 
tidings  was  sent  next  day. 

Found  another  poor  boy  quite  low,  with  pneumonia.  He 
knew  his  condition,  but  with  an  heroic  smile  upon  his  wasted 
features  said,  that  "if"  his  "life  would  do  his  dear  country 
any  good  "  he  was  "  willing  to  give  it." 

The  Masonic  Hall  and  First  Presbyterian  Church  consti- 
tute Hospital,  No.  8.     We  visited  that  on  Tuesday. 

As  we  enter  the  Hall,  past  the  guard,  we  find  a  broad  flight 
of  stairs  before  us,  and  while  ascending,  perceive  this  caution 
inscribed  upon  the  wall  in  evergreen. 

"  Remember  you  are  in  a  hospital  and  make  no  noise." 
U])  this  flight,  and  other  cautions  meet  us,  such  as  "  No 
smoking  here  " — "  Keep  away  from  the  wall,"  &c.  We  here 
pause  at  a  door,  and  are  introduced  to  the  matron  who  is  for- 
tunately just  now  going  through  the  wards.  It  is  Miss  J — tt, 
of  Ann  Arbor,  Michigan. 


HOSriTAL     PETn^CILLINGS.  15 

Ascending  another  broad  fiiglit,  and  asking  in  the  mean- 
time of  her  duties,  she  throws  open  the  door  of  the  linen- 
room  where  are  two  clerks,  and  says  : 

"  This  department  comprises  all  the  work  assigned  to  me — 
whatever  else  I  do  is  voluntary  and  gratuitous.  "  But  to- 
day," she  adds  laughingly,  "  it  would  be  difficult  to  define  my 
duties.  I  think  I  might  properly  be  called  '  Commandant  of 
the  Black  Squad,'  or  Chief  of  the  Dirty  Brigade ;"  and  she 
explained  by  saying  that  she  had  seven  negro  women  and 
two  men,  subject  to  her  orders,  who  were  cleaning  the  build- 
ing. She  next  throws  open  the  door  of  a  ward  which  con- 
tains but  a  few  patients,  and  has  a  smoky  appearance.  She 
tells  us,  they  are  fumigating  it,  having  had  some  cases  of* 
small  pox,  most  of  which  have  been  sent  to  the  proper  Hos- 
pital. 

"We  pass  to  another,  where  she  tells  us,  previous  to  enter- 
ing, is  one  very  sick  bo}^  He  is  of  a  slight  form,  only  fifteen, 
and  with  delicate  girlish  features.  His  disease  is  typhoid  fe- 
ver, from  the  effects  of  which  he  is  now  quite  deaf.  As  we 
approach,  he  says  to  her  faintly, 

"  Sit  down  here,  mother,  on  the  side  of  my  bed." 

She  does  so,  wdien  he  asks  her  to  "  to  bend  her  head  down 
so  he  can  tell  her  something."  This  she  does,  when  he  says, 
quite  loud,  but  with  difficulty  ; — "  There's  some  money  under 
my  pillow,  I  want  you  to  get  it,  and  buy  me  some  dried 
peaches." 

"  I  don't  want  your  money,"  she  says,  "  but  you  shall  have 
the  peaches  if  I  can  get  them,"  and  she  writes  a  note  and 
dispatches.it  to  the  sanitary  rooms  for  them."  "This  boy  al- 
ways calls  me  mother,"  she  says,  "  and  the  first  day  he  was 
brought  here,  he  sent  his  nurse  to  ask  if  I  would  come  up 
and  kiss  him.  He  has  always  been  his  mother's  pet,  and  I 
now  correspond  with  her  on  his  account." 


16  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

His  fever  is  very  high,  and  we  pass  our  cold  hand  sooth- 
ingly over  his  forehead  and  essay  to  speak  words  of  cheer, 
and  as  we  turn  to  leave,  he  looks  up  pleadingly  and  says  : 

"  Can't  you  kiss  me  ?" 

"  Yes,  indeed,  I  can — am  glad  to  do  so,"  and  we  press  our 
own  to  his  burning  lips  and  receive  his  feverish,  unpleasant 
breath,  not  a  disagreeable  task  though,  for  all,  when  we  re- 
member that  he  is  the  pet  of  his  mother,  who  misses  him  so 
very  much,  and  who  may  never  look  upon  her  boy  again. 

Of  one — a  middle-aged,  despondent  looking  man  we  ask 
cheerily,  how  he  is  to-day. 

"  About  the  same,"  he  replies  coldly,  but  with  a  look  which 
.is  the  index  of  a  thought  like  this  : 

"  Oh,  you  don't  care  for  us  or  our  comfort, — you  are  well, 
and  have  friends,  and  home,  probably  near  you,  and  you  can- 
not appreciate  our  suffering,  and  only  come  here  to  satisfy  an 
idle  curiosity." 

He  does  not  say  this,  but  he  thinks  it,  and  we  read  the 
thought  in  the  voice,  manner,  and  countenance.  We  deter- 
mine to  convince  him  of  his  mistake,  if  possible,  notwith- 
standing he  looks  as  if  he  prefers  we  should  walk  along  and 
leave  him  alone. 

"  Were  you  wounded  ?  "  we  ask. 

"  No — sick,"  was  the  short  gruff  answer. 

"  Your  disease  was  fever  was'nt  it  ?  "  we  persist, — '•  your 
countenance  looks  like  it." 

"  Yes,  fever  and  pneumonia,"  he  replies  in  the  same  cold, 
but  despairing  tone. 

"  Ah — but  you're  getting  better  now." 

"  Don't  know  about  it — reckon  not." 

"  Well,  how  is  it  about  getting  letters  from  home  ?  " 

His  countenance,  voice  and  manner  undergo  a  sudden 
change  now,  and  his  eyes  overrun  with  tears,  at  the  simple 
words  "  letters  from  home." 


HOSPITAL     PEXCILLIXGS.  17 

And  as  he  raises  his  hand  to  his  month,  to  conceal  its  qniv- 
ering,  he  tells  us  with  tremulous  voice  that  he  has  sent  three 
letters  to  his  wife  and  can  get  no  answer.  She  has  left  the 
place  where  they  used  to  live,  and  he  does  not  know  certainly 
where  to  direct.  We  ask  who  we  can  write  to,  to  find  out, 
and  learn  that  a  sister  would  know.  We  take  the  probable 
address  of  the  wife,  and  that  of  the  sister,  and  after  some  far- 
ther conversation  leave  him  looking  quite  like  another  man 
as  we  promise  to  write  to  each  in  the  evening.  (Subse- 
quently, we  learned  that  he  received  a  reply  to  both,  and  was 
comparatively  cheerful  and  very  grateful.) 

Down  stairs,  and  we  enter  a  ward  on  the  first  floor.  Here 
is  a  thin  sallow  visage,  the  owner  of  which  j^iteously  asks  if 
we  "  have  any  oranges."  "  No,"  but  we  provide  means,  by 
which  he  can  purchase. 

"  I'm  from  North  Carolina,"  he  says,  "  I  hid  in  the  woods 
and  mountains  and  lived  on  roots  and  berries  for  weeks,  before 
I  could  get  away." 

In  reply  to  our  query  as  to  whether  he  would  like  a  letter 
written  home,  he  informs  us  that  his  wife  and  father  arri^  ed 
in  town  only  a  few  days  ago. 

"  Then  you  have  seen  them,"  we  say. 

"  Yes,  they  both  visit  me,  but  my  wife  comes  oftenest." 

Just  now^,  his  nurse,  a  young  man  who  should  know  better, 
mterrupts-  him  by  telHng  us  that  "  it  isn't  so,  and  his  family 
are  all  in  North  Carolina." 

"  That's  just  the  way,"  said  the  sick  man,  turning  to  me 
with  a  flushed  and  angry  look,  "  that  they're  talking  to  me  all 
tiie  time,  and  trying  to  make  everybody  think  I'm  crazy.  I 
reckon  /  know  whether  I've  seen  my  wife  or  not ! " 

"  Of  course  you  do,"  we  say   quietingly ;  "  does   she  bring 
you  anything  nice  to  eat  ? "  and  we  add  that  we  wish   she 
would  come  while  we  were  there,  so  we  could  see  her. 
•i 


18  HOSPITAL     PENGILLINGS. 

"  Well,  she  don't  bring  me  much  to  eat,"  he  says  in  a  w€ak, 
hollow  voice,  but  earnestly,  "  she  don't  understand  fixin'  up 
things  nice  for  sick  folks,  and  then  she's  weakly  like,  but  she 
does  all  she  can,  for  she's  a  right  gude  heart.  She  doesn't  fix 
up,  and  look  like  you  folks  do,  you  know,"  he  added,  "  for 
she's  sort  o'  torn  to  pieces  like  by  this  war." 

"  Yes,  we  can  understand  it." 

Upon  inquiring  about  this  man  a  few  moments  after  of  the 
Ward-Master,  we  find  that  he  is  really  a  monomaniac  upon 
this  subject,  persisting  in  the  declaration  that  his  wife  and 
father  visit  him  often  though  no  one  sees  them. 

"  He  can't  live,"  said  the  Ward-Master,  "  he  has  lost  all 
heart  and  is  worn  out.  The  chance  of  a  Southerner  to  live 
after  going  to  a  hos^Dital  is  not  over  a  fourth  as  good  as  for 
one  of  our  Northern  boys.  They  can  do  more  fighting  with 
less  food  while  in  the  field,  but  when  the  excitement  is  over 
they  lose  heart  and  die." 

We  find  upon  several  subsequent  visits  that  he  is  growing 
weaker,  and  at  the  last  when  his  countenance  indicates  that 
death  is  near^  we  are  thankful  that  he  is  still  comforted  by 
these  imaginary  visits  from  father  and  wife. 

We  crossed  the  street  and  entered  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church,  which  constitutes  a  part  of  the  hospital.  This  place 
is  notable  for  the  promulgation  of  secession  sentiments  from 
its  pulpit  in  other  days.  A  specimen  of  the  style  -was  given 
here  a  short  time  before  the  entrance  of  our  troops,  by  Prof. 
Elliott  of  the  Seminary,  who  in  a  prayer  besought  the  Al- 
mighty that  he  would  so  "  prosper  the  arms  of  the  Confeder- 
ates and  bring  to  naught  the  plans  of  the  Federals,  that  every 
hill-top,  plain  and  valley  around  Nashville  should  be  ivhite 
with  the  hones  of  the  hated  Ycmhees  I " 

After  hearing  this  it  was  doubly  a  pleasure,  in  company 
with  Miss  J.,  another  "  Northern  vandal,"  to  make  the  walls 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLING  S.  19 

of  the  old  church  echo  to  the  words  of  "  The  Star  Spangled 
Banner,"  with  an  accompaniment  from  the  organ  ;  and  it 
would  have  done  any  loyal  heart  good  to  see  how  much  pleas- 
ure it  gave  to  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers. 

Saturday  Eve,  April  9. 

Last  Wednesday  Miss  O.  and  myself  visited  Hospital  No. 
1,  for  the  second  time. 

They  were  just  robing  one  young  boy  in  his  soldier's  suit 
of  blue  for  the  last  time.  He  was  then  borne  to  the  dead- 
house.  His  name  was  Hickman  Nutter,  of  the  31st  Ohio.  I 
secured  the  Post  Office  address  of  his  people  and  that  of  sev- 
eral others  who  had  died  and  had  no  message  sent  home.  I 
passed  the  whole  of  the  next  day  in  writing  soldiers'  letters, 
and  in  my  journal.  My  fortitude  was  sorely  tried  and  really 
broke  down  after  getting  back,  to  find  that  in  ward  1  alone 
from  two  to  four  boys  are  dying  daily,  while  the  Chaplain  has 
not  been  in  to  speak  to  a  single  sick  or  dying  boy  for  two 
weeks.  Wards  2  and  3  have  fared  little  if  any  better,  as  is 
the  testimony  of  ward-masters  and  nurses.  It  is  his  duty  also 
to  write  to  the  relatives  of  those  who  die,  and  common  human- 
ity would  dictate  that  it  be  done,  and  every  comforting  mess- 
age sent  to  them.  I  was  told  by  the  clerk,  whose  duty  it 
was  to  collect  the  names  for  report  in  the  public  prints,  that 
in  no  single  instance  had  he  known  the  Chaplain  to  attend  to 
that  duty.  I  was  indignant  and  determined  to  report  him, 
but  was  given  to  understand  by  more  than  one  Christian 
minister,  that  the  expression  of  indignation  was  considered  a 
bad  omen  for  my  future  success  in  hospitals. 

"  People  here,"  said  one,  kindly  in  explanation,  "  must 
learn  to  see  and  hear  of  all  manner  of  evil  and  wickedness 
going  on  around  them,  and  be  as  though  they  saw  and  heard 
not." 


20  HOSPITAL     PEXCILLIXGS. 

Being  by  nature  and  birth  an  outspoken  New  Englander, 
and  ha^•ing  inhaled  freedom  of  speech  from  the  breezes  which 
blow  from  the  hills  of  the  "  Old  Bay  State,"  I  fancy  it  will 
not  be  very  easy  becoming  initiated  into  this  phase  of  military 
service. 

We  found  several  interesting  cases  on  passing  through 
wards  1,  2  and  3. 

In  the  first,  saw  one  man  in  a  dying  condition,  who  was 
brought  the  night  before.  He  was  lifted  from  the  ambulance 
and  brought  in  by  two  men,  who  immediately  left  without 
being  questioned  or  saying  anything  about  him.  The  attend- 
ants were  busy  and  expected  to  find  all  needed  information  in 
the  medical  papers,  which  it  is  rulable  and  customary  to  send, 
but  which  were  not  to  be  found.  No  one  had  observed  the 
ambulance  or  men  sufliciently  to  identify  either.  The  disease 
could  not  be  determined.  There  were  no  wounds  and  the 
lungs  were  in  a  healthy  condition,  but  he  w^as  dying  and  in- 
sensible. A  letter  was  fortunately  found  in  his  pocket,  from 
his  wife,  which  gave  his  name,  company  and  regiment,  as  being 
Henry  Clymer,  Co.  K.,  128th  Indiana. 

In  passing  through  ward  2  we  came  to  a  handsome 
young  man,  who  was  looking  so  well  compared  with  others 
tliat  we  were  passing  without  speaking.  But  the  nurse  said 
to  us: 

"  This  man  is  blind  ! " 

Could  it  be  possible  !  His  eyes  to  a  casual  observer  were 
perfectly  good,  but  ujdou  a  closer  examination  one  saw  that 
tlie  pupil  was  greatly  enlarged  and  the  expression  staring  and 
vacant.  Questions  revealed  the  fact  that  he  could  see  notliing 
except  a  faint  light  when  looking  towards  the  window.  I 
asked  the  cause. 

"  Medicine,  the  Surgeon  here  says,"  was  the  reply.  "  I  had 
chills  and  fever  while  at  the  front,  and  the  physician  gave  me 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLING  3.  21 

large  quantities  of  quinine,  which  made  me  blind.  I  have  the 
ague  now,  but  the  Doctor  dare  not  give  any  more  quinine.  I 
have  been  blind  two  weeks." 

"  Doesn't  the  Surgeon  think  the  medicine  will  leave  your 
system,  and  that  you  may  recover  your  sight?" 

''Well,  he  doesn't  speak  very  encouragingly — says  he 
doesn't  know." 

And  we  now  see  that  although  the  eyes  cannot  do  duty  in 
one  way  they  can  in  another,  for  they  absolutely  rain  tears, 
as  he  tells  us  with  quivering  lips,  that  his  wife  does  not  know 
anything  about  it ;  that  he  is  dreading  to  send  her  word  by 
stranger  hands, — he  cannot  bear  to  think  that  may  be  he  can 
never  write  again, — never  see  her  or  other  friends  in  this  world. 
He  is  yet  young  and  life  has  looked  so  pleasant ;  he  is  a  pro- 
fessing Christian,  but  finds  it  so  hard  to  bear  this  affliction. 
And  he  sobs  like  a  whipped  child,  as,  kneeling  by  the  head 
of  his  low  bed,  with  hand  upon  his  forehead,  we  listen  to 
this  recital  and  strive  to  comfort  him.  We  tell  him  of  others 
afflicted  in  the  same  way  who  have  not  passed  a  life  of  idle- 
ness in  consequence,  but  of  mental  or  physical  activity.  Of 
those  who  have  risen  superior  even  to  this  calamity,  and  in 
the  battle  of  life  have  learned 

"  How  sublime  a  thing  it  is 
To  suft'er  and  grow  strong." 

He  says  our  words  have  been  a  blessing,  as  we  take  his 
hand  in  a  good-bye,  and  with  a  promise  to  break  the  news  to 
his  wife,  as  gently  and  hopefully  as  possible.  [We  do  so 
subsequently  and  upon  the  last  visit  find  that  he  has  been 
gaining  his  sight  so  that  he  can  distinguish  forms,  though  not 
features.  Again  we  stand  by  his  vacant  bed  and  learn  that 
he  with  many  others  have  been  sent  North  to  make  room  for 


22  HOSPITAL     PEXCILLINGS. 

more  sufferers  from  the  front.  But  lie  was  still  o^ainiusr  his 
sight.] 

In  the  same  ward  we  find  one  slight  young  boy,  who  looks 
as  if  he  ought  to  be  at  home  with  his  mother,  and  we  sin- 
cerely believe  is  crying  because  he  isn't — though  he'd  be  bay- 
onetted  sooner  than  own  it.  He  draws  his  sleeve  across  his 
red  eyes  as  we  approach,  and  upon  our  questioning  informs 
us  that  he  is  "  almost  seventeen,"  and  furthermore  that  he  is 
"  nearly  half  a  head  taller  and  two  jiounds  heavier  than  an- 
other boy  in  his  regiment ; "  but  confesses  that  he  is  "  right 
tired  a'  laying  this  way  day  after  day — fact  is  I'd  a  heap  sight 
rather  be  at  home  if  I  could  get  to  go  there,  for  I  enlisted 
to  fic/hf J  not  to  be  sick  !  "  Now  we  ask  him  if  he  ever  thought 
while  lying  there  that  he  is  suffering  in  the  service  of  his 
country,  and  a  quick  flash  of  the  eye,  a  smile  and  an  em- 
phatic "no,"  tell  us  that  it  is  entirely  anew  thought.  Then 
we  beg  him  not  to  forget  that  he  is,  and  assure  him  that  it 
requires  a  much  braver  soldier  to  suffer  day  after  day  in  a 
hospital  than  on  the  hardest  battle-field,  and  we  leave  him 
with  a  look  of  heroic  endurance  on  his  childish  brow. 

Here  is  a  good-faced  German,  who  is  moaning  with  pain 
from  an  amputation.  It  is  twenty  days  since  the  operation, 
but  he  suffers  terribly  every  few  moments  from  a  spasmodic 
contraction  of  the  muscles.  And  we  also  find  upon  convers- 
ing, that  the  fact  of  the  amputation  hurts  his  feelings  in  more 
wa^'S  than  one,  and  we  must  needs  tell  him  to  bear  the  pain 
like  a  good  brave  soldier,  and  that  it  will  grow  less  and  less 
each  day,  and  really  last  but  a  few  days  more  altogether,  and 
that  as  to  being  without  a  limb  he  will  not  be  tlie  only  one 
capable  of  exhibiting  such  a  j^roof  of  the  service  rendered 
his  country,  that  it  is  an  honor  rather  than  a  disgrace  to  lose 
limbs  while  battling  for  the  right ;  and  now  the  hero's  look  of 
determination  settles  over  his  features  also.     But  just  as  we 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLIXGS.  23 

turn  to  leave,  he  expresses  his  opinion  that  two  or  three  more 
such  "  cookies "  as  we  brought  him  the  other  day  wouldn't 
hurt  him,  indeed, 

"  Dey  was  mosht  as  goot  Yot  my  moder  used  to  make." 

Sunday  Eve,  April  10. 

Attended  church  to-day  at  the  Second  Presbyterian,  or 
"  Union  Church  "  as  it  is  called.  It  is  the  only  one  in  the 
city,  I  am  told,  where  one  is  sure  of  hearing  sentiments  of 
loyalty.  Rev.  Mr.  Allen  is  pastor.  He  does  not  fear  now, 
under  the  shadow  of  Fort  Negley,  and  with  so  many  "  blue 
coats  "  about,  to  "  Lift  up  his  voice  like  a  trumpet,  and  show 
the  peoi:>le  their  transgressions  and  the  house  of  Jacob  their 
sins."  I  believe,  however,  that  he  was  obliged  to  leave  the 
place  previous  to  the  entrance  of  our  troops. 

I  saw  a  pomegranate  flower  for  the  first  time,  to-day.  It 
is  of  a  dark  red  color,  single,  about  the  size  of  a  plum  blos- 
som. It  is  of  the  same  family  I  think,  though  cannot  ana- 
lyze it,  for  want  of  a  botanical  work. 

In  passing  through  ward  1  of  the  hospital  last  Wedne8- 
day,  and  asking  advice  of  the  chief  nurse — wdio,  by  the  by,  is 
soon  to  complete  his  studies  as  surgeon — as  to  what  we  could 
do  for  the  benefit  of  the  invalids,  he  said  there  were  two  cases 
who  would  die  unless  some  one  could  by  attention  and  cheer- 
ful conversation  save  them.  That  they  had  been  sick  a  long 
time,  were  very  low,  but  the  trouble  now  was  nervous  debility 
from  homesickness  and  despair  of  life.  Had  himself  done 
what  he  could  for  them,  but  was  worn  out  with  care  of  the 
ward  and  loss  of  sleep.     And  he  added : — 

"  The  Surgeon  has  given  them  up,  and  I  will  give  them 
into  your  charge,  and  if  they  live  it  will  be  your  care  which 
saves  them." 

"  Would  anything  be  injurious  for  them  to  eat  ?  " 


24  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

"  No,  if  you  can  get  them  to  eat  anything  you  Trill  do  better 
tlian  I  can." 

Upon  inquiring  which  they  were,  he  pointed  them  out, 
when  I  told  him  that  I  had  spoken  to  both  only  a  few  mo- 
ments before,  and  that  one  would  scarcely  notice  me  enough 
to  tell  me  his  disease,  while  the  other  would  not  answer  at 
all,  but  drew  the  sheet  over  his  face. 

"  Oh,  yes,"  he  replied,  "  they  think  no  one  cares  for  them, 
that  they're  going  to  die,  and  the  worst  one  is  in  a  half  stupor 
much  of  the  time.  But  pass  your  hand  gently  over  his  fore- 
head to  arouse  him,  and  then  you  know  how  to  interest  him." 

He  then  directed  the  nurse  of  this  one  to  go  with  me  and 
see  that  everything  was  done  which  I  directed.  The  nurse 
and  patient  were  both  from  Indiana,  and  the  former  going  to 
the  side  of  the  bed  toward  which  the  fiice  of  the  sick  man 
was  turned,  said  in  a  peculiarly  pleasant  and  sympathizing 
tone  : — 

''  William,  there's  a  lady  come  to  see  you  and  she'  wants  to 
make  you  well  if  she  can." 

Passing  my  hand  over  his  forehead,  as  directed,  I  added  as 
cheerily  as  possible  : — 

''Yes,  William,  I've  come  to  see  if  I  can't  do  something 
for  you  ;  if  I  shall  write  some  letters  for  you,  or  bring  you 
something  to  eat  to  make  you  better." 

He  roused  up  and  I  knew  he  was  listening,  but  not  wishing 
to  excite  him  too  much  I  then  commenced  asking  of  the  nurse 
about  his  company  and  regiment,  and  the  length  of  time  he 
had  been  sick  in  that  hospital.  But  I  had  scarcely  done  so, 
when  the  sick  man  turned  his  face  down  into  the  pillow,  burst 
into  tears  and  grieved  and  sobbed  like  a  child,  fairly  shaking 
the  bed  with  the  violence  of  his  emotion.  The  nurse  bent 
down  to  him,  and  said  as  if  pacifying  a  sick  child  : — 

"  Don't  fret  so,  William,  this  lady  loves  you,  and  she's  going 
to  trv  to  make  vou  well." 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  25 

I  knew  the  tears  would  do  him  good,  but  I  spoke  low  and 
slowly,  and  the  sobs  grew  less  as  he  listened : — 

"  You've  been  sick  a  long  time,  I  know,  and  have  grown 
discouraged  and  have  thought  you  were  never  going  to  get 
well,  but  the  Doctor  says  there  is  notliing  to  hinder  if  you 
will  only  try.  I  was  once  sick  myself  with  a  low  nervous 
fever,  and  felt  just  as  you  do  for  a  long  time.  And  the  phy- 
sician told  me  at  last  that  I  wouldn't  live  unless  I  made  up 
my  mind  to  try  to  live.  And  I  did  try  and  worked  hard  for 
it  for  a  long  time  else  I  should  never  have  got  well.  And 
now  if  you  will  do  the  same  and  think  all  the  time  of  what 
you  are  going  to  do  when  you  get  well,  I  will  come  and  see 
you  as  often  as  I  can,  and  bring  you  anything  you  wish  to 
eat.  Wouldn't  you  like  to  have  me  write  for  you  to  ask  your 
wife,  mother,  or  sister,  to  come  and  take  care  of  you  ? 

Just  then  the  nurse  tells  me  he  is  "  single  "  and  I  repeat 
the  question  of  his  mother  and  sisters. 

"  No,"  he  replied,  in  a  sad,  grieved,  hollow  voice,  "  they 
u'ouldn't  come." 

"  Shouldn't  I  write  to  his  father  to  tell  him  how  he  was." 
"  No,"  he  didn't  "  want  any  letters  written." 

"  Could  he  think  of  something  he  could  eat." 

He  said  he  could  not,  but  the  nurse  exclaimed : — "  ^Tiy, 
William,  don't  you  remember  you  said  the  other  day  you  could 
eat  some  pickles,  if  you  could  get  them  ?"  "  Yes,  I  could  eat 
some  pickles,"  said  the  slow,  hollow  voice.  A  little  inquiry 
found  that  it  was  possible  he  could  eat  a  cookie  also,  so  it  was 
arranged  that  the  nurse  should  call  at  the  home  of  the  Chris- 
tian Commission,  where  I  was  stopping,  for  the  articles. 

I  also  learned  that  the  sick  man  had  not  been  bathed  since 

having  the  fever,  and  his  face  looked  like  dried  parchment.     I 

made  a  prescription  of  castile  soap  and  warm  water  for  his 

benefit,  to  be  applied  to  the  whole  surface  of  his  body — the 

5 


26  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

application  to  take  place  immediately  after  my  departure. 
After  the  bath,  the  nurse  called  and  I  sent  some  cookies  and 
a  small  jar  of  pickles. 

The  other  patient  to  whom  I  was  referred,  was  scarcely  less 
interesting,  but  have  not  time  to  note  the  particulars.  I  visit- 
ed them  again  yesterday,  and  found  my  directions  with  regard 
to  each  had  been  carried  out,  and  both  were  better  and  glad 
this  time  to  see  me.  William  rejoiced  in  the  jar  of  pickles 
upon  his  stand,  out  of  which  he  had  gained  sufficient  appetite 
to  "  reckon,"  he  "  could  eat  a  few  dried  peaches,  if  he  could 
get  them."  A  small  jar  of  those  was  prepared  and  sent  to 
him,  with  a  second  edition  of  cookies. 

Tuesday,  April  12. 

Have  visited  Hospital,  No.  8,  as  well  as  No.  1,  several 
times  since  I  have  been  here,  and  am  priviledged  to  carry 
some  delicacies,  and  write  letters  for  its  inmates. 

I  yesterday  visited  Hospital,  No.  1,  for  the  last  time  pro- 
bably, while  those  remain  in  whom  I  have  become  specially 
interested.  But  have  made  such  arrangements  that  William 
and  the  Alabamian,  who  were  given  to  my  care,  shall  have 
whatever  is  needed.  They  seem  to  regret  my  departure,  but 
William  is  decidedly  better.  Carried  a  large  bottle  of  lemon- 
ade, some  oranges,  and  blackberry  sirup. 

Found  a  poor  old  Norwegian  suffering  terribly  from  the  ap- 
plication of  bromine  to  the  gangrenous  wound  in  his  arm- 
He  was  very  thankful  for  an  orange  and  some  lemonade — had 
eaten  nothing  for  two  days.  His  face  and  bald,  venerable 
head  were  covered  with  a  red  silk  handkerchief,  to  hide  the 
great  tears  which  were  pressed  out  by  the  pain  ;  but  his  nurse 
said  he  never  gave  a  word  of  complaint. 

The  German  with  amputated  limb  is  easier — the  blind  man 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  27 

hoiDeful  of  sight,  and  the  little  fellow  improving,  who  "  enlist- 
ed to  fight,  and  not  to  be  sick." 

"Wliile  in  ward  3,  yesterday,  I  was  beckoned  to,  from  a  sick 
bed,  whose  occupant  wished  me  to  come  and  "rejoice  with 
him."  Upon  going  there  he  assured  me  with  a  mysterious 
air,  that  he  "  isn't  going  to  tell  everybody,  but  as  I  was  a 
particular  friend  of  his,  and  he  had  always  thought  rigJit  smart 
of  me,  he  would  tell  me  something  greatly  surprising." 

Upon  expressing  my  willingness  to  be  surprised,  he  confi- 
dently and  joyfully  assured  me  that  though  very  few  people 
knew  it,  yet  he  was  "  The  veritable  man  ivho  killed  Jeffi 
Davis,  President  of  the  Confederate  States  I " 

He  waited  a  moment  to  note  the  effect  upon  me  of  this 
pleasing  intelligence,  when  I  quietly  told  him  I  didn't  know 
before  that  Jeff.  Davis  was  dead,  but  that  if  he  was,  and  he 
was  the  one  who  killed  him,  they  ought  to  give  him  a  dis- 
charge and  let  him  go  home,  as  he  has  done  his  share  of  the 
work.  Then  he  joyfully  assured  me,  that  "  they  have  prom- 
ised to  do  so,  and  that  his  papers  are  to  be  made  out  to-mor- 
row." But  more  serious  thoughts  came  to  me  then,  for  I  saw 
written  upon  his  countenance,  in  unmistakable  characters,  the 
signature  of  the  Death  angel,  marking  his  chosen,  and  though 
I  knew  not  how  soon  his  papers  would  be  made  out,  was  cer- 
tain that  before  long  they  would  be,  and  that  he  would  re- 
ceive a  full  and  free  discharge  from  all  eartlily  toil  and  battle 
from  the  Great  Medical  Director  of  us  all  ! 

While  passing  through  the  aisles  of  wounded  men,  and 
hearing  their  stories,  many  of  them  intensely  graphic,  I 
seemed  to  hear  something  like  the  following,  which,  may  the 
author  whose  name  I  do  not  know,  pardon  me  for  copying : 

"  Let  me  lie  do\vn, 
Just  here  in  the  shade  of  this  cannon-torn  tree, — 
Here,  low  on  the  trampled  grass,  where  I  may  see 


28  HOSPITAL    PENCILLING9. 

The  surge  of  the  comhat ;  and  where  I  may  hear 
The  glad  cry  of  victory,  cheer  upou  cheer : 
Let  me  lie  down. 

Oh,  it  was  grand  ! 
Like  the  tempest  we  charged,  in  the  triumph  to  share ; 
The  tempest — its  fury  and  thunder  were  there ; 
On,  on,  o'er  intrenchments,  o'er  living  and  dead, 
With  the  foe  under  foot,  and  our  flag  overhead, — 

Oh,  it  was  grand  I 

Weary  and  faint, 
Prone  on  the  soldier's  couch,  ah  !  how  can  I  rest 
With  this  shot-shattered  head  and  sabre-pierced  breast  1 
Comrades,  at  roll-call,  when  I  shall  be  sought. 
Say  I  fought  till  I  fell,  and  fell  where  I  fought, 

Wounded  and  faint. 

Oh,  that  last  charge ! 
Right  through  the  dread  hell-fire  of  shrapnel  and  shell,- 
Through  without  faltering,  clear  through  with  a  yell. 
Right  in  their  midst,  in  the  tunnoil  and  gloom. 
Like  heroes  we  dashed  at  the  mandate  of  doom ! 

Oh,  that  last  charge  ! 

It  was  duty ! 
Some  things  are  worthless,  and  some  others  so  good. 
That  nations  who  buy  them  pay  only  in  blood ; 
For  Freedom  and  Union  each  man  owes  his  part ; 
And  here  I  pay  my  share,  all  warm  from  my  heart, 

It  is  duty ! 

Dying  at  last ! 
My  mother,  dear  mother,  with  meek,  tearful  eye. 
Farewell !  and  God  bless  you  for  ever  and  aye  ! 
Oh,  that  I  now  lay  on  your  pillowing  breast, 
To  breathe  my  last  sigh  on  the  bosom  first  prest ! 

Dying  at  last ! 

I  am  no  saint ! 
But,  boys,  say  a  prayer.     There's  one  that  begins, — 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  29 

'  Our  Father  ; '  and  then  says,  '  Forgive  us  our  sins  : ' 
Don't  forget  that  part ;  say  that  strongly ;  and  then 
I'll  try  to  repeat  it,  and  you'll  say  amen  1 
All  1  I'm  no  saint ! 

Hark  !  there's  a  shout  I 
EaisQ  me  up,  comrades  I     We  have  conquered,  I  know ; 
Up,  on  my  feet,  with  my  face  to  the  foe  ! 
Ah !  there  flies  the  flag,  with  its  star  spangles  bright, — 
The  promise  of  Glory,  the  sjonbol  of  llight  1 

Well  may  they  shout ! 

I'm  mustered  out ! 
O  God  of  our  fathers  !  om*  freedom  prolong, 
And  tread  down  rebellion,  oppression,  and  wrong ! 

0  land  of  earth's  hopes  !  on  thy  blood-reddened  sod, 

1  die  for  the  Nation,  the  Union,  and  God ! 

I'm  mustered  out !  " 


30  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 


CHAPTER    III. 

Nashville  is  a  city  which  is  set  upon  hills.  It  is  also 
founded  upon  a  rock,  and  the  fact  that  it  has  not  much  earth 
upon  that  rock,  is  made  the  pretext  for  leaving  numberless 
deceased  horses  and  mules  upon  the  surface,  without  even  a 
a  heathen  burial,  until  they  are  numbered  with  the  tilings 
that  were. 

But  it  has  been  comfortingly  asserted  by  the  agent  of  the 
Christian  Commission  here,  Rev.  E.  P.  Smith,  that  it  is 
astonishing  how  much  dead  mule  one  may  breathe,  and  yet 
survive. 

Nashville  is  also  a  city  of  narrow,  filthy  streets,  and  in  some 
localities,  of  water,  which,  like  the  "  offence  "  of  the  king  of 
Denmark,  "  smells  to  Heaven." 

It  is  moreover  a  city  of  mules.  Two,  four,  and  six  mule 
teams,  with  a  driver  astride  of  one  of  them,  and  sometimes 
with  the  high,  comical-looking  Tennessean  wagons  attached — 
not  to  the  driver  particularly,  but  to  the  mules.  These,  with 
mulish  mules,  who  draw  crowds  instead  of  wagons,  animate 
the  streets  day  and  night.  It  is  a  city  of  either  dust  or  mud 
— but  one  street  boasts  a  street-sprinkler. 

The  citizens  of  Nashville  who  remain,  have  mostly  taken 
the  oath  of  allegiance  to  protect  their  property,  but  it  is  esti- 
mated that  not  above  one  in  fifty  is,  at  heart,  loyal.  The 
ladies  (?)  sometimes  show  their  contempt  of  Northern  labor- 
ers by  making  up  faces  when  meeting  them  upon  the  streets, 
but  there  are  so  many  "  blue  coats  "  about,  they  do  not  think 
it  advisable  to  allow  their 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  31 

"  Angry  passions  rise," 
To  tear  out  our  eyes ;" 

as  they  would  evidently  consider  it  a  great  pleasure  to  accom- 
plish. 

Nashville  and  its  vicinity  boasts  a  few  distinguished  per- 
sonages beside  myself.  Mrs.  Polk,  widow  of  the  Ex-Presi- 
dent, resides  a  few  blocks  from  this.  Gen.  Sherman's  head- 
quarters are  at  a  lovely  retreat,  we  think,  on  High  Street, 
and  Gen.  Rouseau's  but  a  few  blocks  distant,  while  the  Her- 
mitage of  Gen.  Andrew  Jackson  is  but  twelve  miles  east  of 
the  city.  This  has  many  visitors,  but  who  seldom  venture 
now  without  a  guard.  Since  our  stay  here,  a  party  of  four 
ladies  from  Hospital,  No.  19,  with  as  many  gentlemen,  and  a 
guard  of  thirteen,  visited  the  Hermitage,  who  learned  next 
day  that  a  party  of  guerillas,  100  in  number,  came  there  an 
hour  after  they  had  left,  and  followed  them.  At  first,  as  they 
informed  us,  they  made  it  a  subject  for  pleasant  jesting,  but 
after  farther  consideration,  for  that  of  serious  thought,  as  they 
came  rather  too  near  being  candidates  for  "  Libby,"  or  a 
worse  fate. 

A  nephew,  who  is  also  an  adopted  son  of  the  old  General, 
has  charge  of  the  place ;  he  has  two  sons  in  the  rebel  ser- 
vice. The  property  is  confiscated  to  the  Government,  but  the 
family,  out  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  the  stern  old  patriots 
are  permitted  to  remain.  The  visitors  may  see  here  the 
quaint  and  cumbrous  family  carriage  in  which  the  General 
used  to  journey,  together  with  a  buggy,  made  from  the  tim- 
bers of  the  old  ship  Ironsides. 

The  family,  especially  the  female  portion  of  it,  being  of 
secession  principles,  keep  themselves  secluded  from  the  gaze 
of  northern  mudsills.  But  the  mudsills,  presuming  upon  the 
cordial  reception  which  they  believe  would  be  extended  by 
the  General  himself,  usually  make  themselves  sufficiently  at 


32  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

home  to  wander  at  their  own  sweet  will  through  the  grounds, 
and  partake  of  a  lunch  on  the  shaded  piazza. 

It  is  a  fine  old  mansion,  ajDproached  by  a  circular  avenue, 
which  is  shaded  by  grand  old  trees.  And  notwithstanding 
that  the  General  has  adopted  grandsons  in  the  rebel  service, 
and  his  family  are  secessionists,  yet  it  requires  but  little  faith 
to  believe  that  the  stern  old  hero  is  not  unmindful  of  the  pre- 
sent gigantic  struggle,  neither  a  great  flight  of  the  imagina- 
tion when  the  wind  is  moaning  and  stirring  the  lofty  branches 
of  the  grand  old  trees,  to  fancy  that  his  voice,  in  suppressed 
and  now  reverent  accents,  yet  emphatically  exclaims : — 

"  By  the  Eternal^  the  Union  must^  and  shall  he  preserved  /" 

The  city  contains  many  elegant  private  residences,  and 
splendid  public  buildings. 

Among  the  latter  is  the  State  Asylum  for  the  Insane, 
which  has  four  hundred  and  fifty  acres  attached,  and  had  an 
expenditure  of  $48,000  per  annum.  Another  is  the  Institu- 
tion for  the  Blind,  the  expenses  of  which  for  the  year  1850, 
were  nearly  $8,000.  The  Tennessean  Penitentiary  is  also  a 
superior  structure.  In  September  30,  1850,  the  number  of 
inmates  was  three  hundred  and  seventy-eight,  and  of  this 
number  three  hundred  and  sixty-six,  were  white  men,  with 
only  eight  black  men,  three  white  women  with  only  one  black 
woman. 

The  Medical  College  is  a  fine  building  and  contains  a  valu- 
able museum.  The  University  is  an  imposing  edifice  of  gray 
marble,  while  the  Masonic  Hall,  the  Seminary  and  graded 
school  buildings  are  spacious  and  beautiful  structures.  The 
first  in  imjDortance,  among  the  public  buildings  of  Nashville, 
and  which  is  second  to  none  in  the  United  States  in  point  of 
solidity  and  durability,  is  the  CaiDitol.  Tliis  is  a  magnificent 
edifice,  situated  on  an  eminence  one  hundred  and  seventy -five 
feet  above  the  river,  and   constructed  inside  and  out,  of  a 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINOS.  33 

beautiful  variety  of  fossilliferous  limestone  or  Tennessee  mar- 
ble. At  each  end,  it  has  an  Ionic  portico  of  eight  columns, 
and  each  of  the  sides,  a  portico  of  six.  A  tower  rises  from 
the  centre  of  the  roof  to  the  hight  of  two  hundred  and  six 
feet  from  the  ground.  This  has  a  quadrangular  base  sur- 
mounted by  a  circular  cell,  with  eight  fluted  Corinthian 
columns,  designed  from  the  celebrated  choragic  monument  of 
Lysicrates,  at  Athens. 

Among  the  jDrivate  residences  we  have  seen,  is  a  beautiful 
mansion,  still  unfinished,  which,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  was 
being  built  for  the  rebel  Gen.  ZollicofFer.  A  more  unpre- 
tending one  perhaps,  is  that  of  the  widow  of  ex-President  Polk, 
the  grounds  surrounding  which  contain  his  tomb — a  plain,  sim- 
ple, temple-like  fabric,  of  light  brown  marble. 

That  beautiful  baronial  domain  known  as  the  Achlen  estate 
is  situate  about  two  miles  out  of  town.  For  attractions  it  has 
extensive  grounds,  with  great  variety  and  profusion  of  shrub- 
bery, among  which  flash  out  here  and  there,  life-like  statues 
of  men  and  animals,  and  miniature  monuments  and  temples. 
A  fountain  jets  its  diamond  drops,  w^hile  an  artificial  pond  is 
the  home  of  the  tiny  silver  and  gold  fish.  Beside  the  noble 
family  mansion  is  another  building  nearly  as  spacious,  which 
is  used  as  a  place  of  amusement.  A  well-filled  conservatory 
is  another  beautiful  feature,  while  an  observatory,  which 
ci'owns  an  imposing  brick  tower,  gives  a  view  of  the  scenery 
for  miles  around. 

This  estate  with  large  plantations,  in  Louisiania,  were  ac- 
cumulated by  the  owner,  while  in  the  business  of  slave-driv- 
ing and  negro  trading.  His  name  was  Franklin.  After  his 
death  his  youthful  widow  married  a  gay  leader  in  the  fash- 
onable  world,  known  in  the  southern  society  of  Memphis 
and  New  Orleans,  as  Joe  Achlen.  Under  his  direction  the 
estate  was  imjproved  and  beautified  at  a  cost  of  $1,000,000. 


34  HOSPITAL     PEXCILLINGS. 

At  the  commencement  of  this  war,  it  was  had  in  contem- 
plation by  the  Confederate  officials,  to  purchase  the  estate  and 
present  it  to  his  Excellency,  Jeff.  Davis ;  but  they  will  probably 
defer  making  that  munificent  gift,  until  the  Federal  army  is 
at  a  safer  distance. 

An  intelligent  chattel,  who  has  been  on  the  place  twenty 
years,  informs  us  that  Achlen  was  a  kind  master.  .  That  when 
he  visited  his  plantations  in  Louisiana,  the  negroes  would 
welcome  him  at  the  wharf,  and  if  it  was  the  least  muddy, 
would  take  him  upon  their  shoulders  and  carry  him  to  the 
house.  But  despite  this  fact,  the  negroes  have  somehow  got 
the  impression  that  freedom  is  preferable  to  slavery.  So 
strongly  are  they  impressed  with  the  desii^e  of  owning  them- 
selves, that  out  of  900  who  were  on  the  estate  and  planta- 
tions at  the  commencement  of  the  war,  but  five  remain  at  the 
former  place,  and  these  with  wages  of  $15.00  per  month, 
while  about  the  same  number  are  at  each  of  the  plantations, 
these  kept  also  by  wages. 

The  death  of  Achlen  occurred  last  fall ;  his  widow  is  much 
of  the  time  in  New  Orleans,  but  the  property  is  neatly  kept 
by  what  was  formerly  a  part  of  itself. 

One  of  those  little  incidents,  by  the  by,  which  proves 
that  truth  is  stranger  than  fiction,  occurred  to  this  negro  who 
testified  to  the  kindness  of  his  master.  When  he  was  pur- 
chased for  the  estate  he  was  separated  from  his  wife,  who  was 
sold  south.  Neither  knew  the  locality  of  the  other,  and  nine- 
teen long  years  passed  by,  when  this  war,  which  has  made 
such  an  upheaval  in  the  strata  of  American  society,  loosened 
the  chains  of  the  bondwoman,  and  true  to  the  instincts  of  her 
nature,  she  started  toward  the  north  pole,  to  find  freedom  and 
her  husband. 

He  says  it  was  a  joyful  time  when  they  met  and  recognized 
each  other  in  the  streets  of  Nashville ;  but  we  each  have  the 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLIXGS.  35 

privilege  of  entertaining  our  own  ideas  as  to  whether  the  race 
is  capable  of  constancy  and  affection. 

Even  the  Capitol  has  its  mounted  cannon,  to  protect  it 
against  the  citizens  of  Nashville.  During  our  stay  in  the  city, 
we  have  had  the  pleasure  of  listening  to  a  lecture  by  two 
Rev.  Drs.  of  New  York,  and  Brooklyn,  in  the  Hall  of  Repre- 
sentatives, and  hj  moonlight.  They  were  to  speak  on  the  sub- 
ject of  emancipation  and  reconstruction,  by  invitation  of  Gov. 
Andrew  Johnson,  and  Comptroller  Fowler. 

That  afternoon,  they  had  returned  from  the  front,  toilwom 
and  weary,  where  they  had  witnessed  the  battle  and  minister- 
ed to  the  wounded  of  Resaca  and  Dalton.  Upon  proceeding 
to  the  Capitol,  the  moon  was  bathing  all  things  without  in  her 
silver  radiance,  while  within  hid  dark  shadows,  in  strano-e  con- 
trast to  an  occasional  silver  shaft,  through  openings  in  the 
heavy  damask  curtains. 

Queries  revealed  the  fact  that  the  Governor,  Comptroller, 
and  the  man  having  charge  of  the  gas  fixtures,  had  gone  to 
attend  a  railroad  celebration,  not  having  received  word  that 
the  gentlemen  had  accepted  the  invitation  to  speak  at  that 
time  and  place. 

Quite  a  number  of  gentlemen  gathered  in  front  of  the 
speaker's  desk,  with  some  six  ladies — the  latter  provided  with 
seats ;  and  after  some  consultation  we  found  ourselves  listen- 
ing to  interesting  recitals  of  how  "  war's  grim  visage "  had 
appeared  to  Rev.  Drs.  Thompson  and  Buddington  of  New- 
York  and  Brooklyn. 

And  we  could  but  think  as  we  sat  there  in  the  moonlight, 
with  most  of  the  audience  standing,  what  different  audiences 
they  had  swayed  at  home,  and  how  mucli  depends  upon  time, 
place  and  circumstance  in  the  life  of  a  public  speaker,  and 
were  glad  to  see  that  they  could  meet  adverse  circumstances 
with  becoming  serenity  and  humility.     The  novelty  connected 


36  HOSPITAL     PEXCILLINGS. 

vnt.li  the  scene,  time  and  place,  made  it  an  evening  long  to  be 
remembered. 

The  Seminary  building  was  used  as  hospital,  then  as  bar- 
racks and  since  as  soldiers'  home. 

The  faculty  of  this  institution,  in  their  last  advertisement 
of  its  merits,  previous  to  the  arrival  of  the  Union  army, 
assured  their  patrons  that  they  would — 

"  So  educate  their  daughters,  as  to  fit  them  to  become 
v.'ives  of  the  Southern  Chivalry  and  to  hate  the  detestable 
Yankees  !  " 

The  Medical  College  on  Broad  Street,  is  now  a  home  and 
hospital  for  the  refugees  ;  and  the  filth,  destitution,  misery 
and  ignorance  which  exist  among  that  class  of  poor  whites 
who  have  fled  from  starvation  in  Georgia,  North  and  South 
Carolina,  Alabama  or  East  Tennessee,  must  be  witnessed  to 
be  realized.  We  no  longer  wondered  that  the  neat,  industri- 
ous and  comparatively  well-informed  negro  servants  and  free 
colored  j^eoj^le  of  Nashville  look  upon  them  with  the  contempt 
so  well  expressed  by  the  words,  " jooor  uihite  trash  !  " 

Brought  up  to  think  labor  a  disgrace,  they  will  sooner  sit 
down  in  ignorance,  poverty,  and  the  filth  which  nourishes 
vermin  and  loatlisome  diseases,  than  disgrace  themselves  by 
work.  Unaccustomed  to  habits  of  neatness  and  industry  they 
are  singularly  careless  of  each  other's  comfort,  and  neglectful 
of  their  own  sick. 

The  same  week  of  our  reaching  this  city,  a  family  of  re- 
fugees, nine  in  number,  the  parents  and  seven  children,  all 
died,  and  of  no  particular  disease.  The  scenes  which  they 
had  passed  through,  with  the  lo^s  of  home  and  each  other, 
with  the  native  lack  of  energy  which  led  them  to  succumb  to 
circumstances,  rather  than  battle  to  overcome  them,  seemed 
the  only  causes. 

We  will  sketch  a  few  of  the  scenes  we  saw  in  this  home  of 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  37 

the  refugees,  prefacing,  however,  that  some  of  the  worst 
features  we  do  not  propose  giving,  either  to  offend  ears  polite 
or  our  own  sense  of  propriety. 

In  company  with  the  matron  we  enter  the  spacious  building 
between  two  majestic  statues,  which  stand  like  sentinels  to 
guard  the  entrance,  less  efficient,  however,  than  that  "  blue 
coat "  who  perambulates  the  walk  with  rifle  and  bayonet. 

In  the  first  room  a  gaunt  and  haggard  face  meets  ours,  with 
piercing  eyes,  from  beneath  an  old  slouched  hood,  and  from  a 
miserable  bunk,  whose  possessor,  within  the  next  twenty-four 
hours,  ceases  to  battle  with  consumption,  and  finds  that  "  rest 
for  the  weary."  She  is  now  so  restless  she  must  be  turned 
every  few  minutes,  and  stranger  hands  attend  to  her  wishes. 

"  We  were  starved  out,"  she  says.  "  The  Rebs  tuk  every- 
thing what  they  didn't  destroy ;  and  burnt  the  house." 

"  '  We,'  who  came  with  you  ?  " 

"  Me  two  step-daughters.  But  they  haven't  been  here 
these  three  days.  I  reckon  they're  tired  o'  takin  keer  o'  me. 
It's  mighty  hard  though  to  raise  up  girls  to  neglect  ye  when 
ye're  on  a  death-bed." 

What  can  we  say  to  comfort  her.  Our  heart  grows  faint 
when  we  think  how  incapable  we  are  to  minister  to  this 
one.  Bereft  of  home,  penniless,  forsaken  even  by  relatives, 
and  in  such  agonizing  unrest.  Yes,  but  a  happy  thought 
comes  now,  if  homeless,  can  she  not  better  appreciate  the 
worth  of  that  "  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in .  the 
heavens  " — if  penniless,  realize  the  enduring  riches  of  the  better 
land — husbandless  and  friendless,  know  better  the  worth  of 
that  "  Friend  above  all  others  " — restless,  the  value  of  that 
"  rest  for  the  weary  ?  "  We  tell  her  of  all  these,  and  she  pro- 
fesses to  gain  new  strength  from  our  words  to  wait  on  the 
chariot  wheels  which  so  long  delay  their  coming. 

On  another  bunk  is  a  wretched   woman,  who  is  drowning 


38  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

sorrow  as  usual  in  the  stupor  induced  by  opium.  We  have 
now  no  message  for  her. 

See  that  little  chubby  child,  of  perhaps  three  years,  whose 
little  flaxen  head,  has  made  a  pillow  of  the  hard  hearthstone, 
and  is  soundly  sleej^ing.  That  is  a  little  waif — nobody  owns 
it.  ■  It  has  neither  father,  mother,  brother,  sister  or  other  rel- 
ative in  the  wide  world,  that  any  one  knows  about.  Pity,  but 
some  one  bereaved  by  this  war  would  suffer  this  little  one  to 
creep  into  the  heart  and  home  and  grow  to  fill  the  place  made 
desolate ! 

Here  is  a  tall,  well-formed  girl,  of  perhaps  twenty,  with  a 
j^erfect  wealth  of  soft,  glossy,  auburn  hair^  of  which  any  city 
belle  would  be  proud,  but  it  is  in  wild  disorder  and  just  falling 
from  her  comb.  Ask  her,  if  you  choose,  what  is  that  eruption 
with  which  her  hands  are  covered,  and  which  appears  upon 
her  face,  and  she  will  as  unblushingly  and  drawlingly  tell  you, 
as  though  your  query  were  a  passing  remark  upon  the 
weather. 

Here  are  three  other  girls  sitting  upon  a  rough  board 
bench — the  eldest,  a  bright  girl  of  about  twelve,  is  making  an 
apron  for  her  sister.  Do  you  wish  to  hear  her  story  ? — if  so , 
listen. 

"  Me  an'  me  mother  an'  me  two  sisters  come  from  East 
Tennessee.  The  Union  army  come  to  our  place  first,  an'  they 
burned  an'  destroyed  a  great  deal  what  they  didn't  take  away, 
and  after  they  left  the  Rebs  come  an'  did  the  same,  an'  so 
between  'em  both  they  left  us  all  starvin'  through  the  country. 
Then  the  Unioners  come  agin,  and  we  followed  'em,  an'  they 
sent  us  here.  Wliile  we  were  on  the  boat  it  was  powerfiil 
open  an'  cold-like,  an'  me  mother  tuk  cold.  An*  she  looked 
like  she  was  struck  with  death  from  the  very  first,  an'  the 
doctor  told  me  I  might  just  as  well  make  up  my  mind  to  it, 
first  as  last,  an'  make  her  as  comfortable  as  T  could.     So  I  tuk 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  39 

keer  o'  her,  day  an'  night  for  two  weeks,  an'  brought  her  every 
thing  she  wanted,  oranges  an'  sich  like,  till  she  died.  I 
thought  when  my  father  an'  other  relatives  died  that  I  tuk  it 
powerful  hard,  but  'twas  nothin'  like  losin'  me  mother.  While 
she  was  sick  me  two  little  sisters  had  been  livin'  with  a  cousin 
o'  mine ;  1  ut  I  liearn  tell  he  was  treaten  'em  mighty  bad,  so  I 
wrote  a  note  to  the  captin  an'  told  him  I  wanted  to  come  here 
and  see  to  the  keer  on  'em  myself.  An'  he  said  I  might,  so  I 
corned  yesterday." 

We  leave  this  room  for  another.  There  a  sick  boy  of  four- 
teen is  lying  on  a  bed  of  rags,  who  is  recovering  from  mea- 
sles.    Hear  his  history. 

"  We  lived  in  East  Tennessee,  an'  my  father  nigh  onto  the 
first  o'the  war,  wanted  to  get  to  Kaintucky  and  jine  the  Yan- 
kees, but  the  Rebels  tuk  him  off  to  Vicksburg  and  made  him 
jine  them.  Then  when  the  place  surrendered  to  the  Yanks, 
about  half  on  'em  jined  them,  an'  my  father  'mong  the  rest, — 
jest  what  he'd  been  wantin'  to,  for  a  long  time. 

But  they  burned  and  starved  us  all  out  to  home,  an'  we  left 
thar  an'  come  har  whar  we  could  git  suthin'  to  eat.  Me  an' 
me  mother  an'  me  little  brother  what's  only  six  year  old 
come.  But  me  mother  was  tuk  sick  an'  died  here  three  week 
ago.  I  hearn  right  after,  that  my  father's  regiment  was  or- 
dered some  whar  else,  an'  T  don't  know  whar  he  is.  She 
knew  what  company  an'  regiment  me  father  was  in,  but  I 
was  sick  when  he  sent  word  about  it,  an'  he  don't  know  whar 
we  air.  Mother  nor  he  could'nt  write,  so  we've  no  letters  nor 
nothin'  to  tell.  May  be  he's  dead,  an'  we'll  never  hear  of  it, 
or  if  he  lives  he'll  never  find  us." 

It  is  a  sad  case,  but  we  comfort  him  with  the  hope  of  what 
perseverance  and  a  little  knowledge  of  writing  may  do  for  him, 
and  pass  to  another. 

Here  is  a  young  man,  dressed  and  lying  upon  the  outside 


40  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

of  his  bed,  whose  foot  and  ancle  are  encased  in  a  wooden  box. 
His  temjDerament  partakes  largely  of  the  nervous  sanguine. 
He  has  an  open,  frank,  intelligent  countenance,  speaks  rapid- 
ly, and  with  a  short,  joyous,  electrical  laugh. 

"  I  was  raised  in  North  Carolina,"  he  says.  "  I  was'nt  a  Un- 
ion man  at  the  first — nor  a  Confederate  either,  well  about  half 
an'  half,  I  reckon.  But  we'se  all  obliged  either  to  run  away 
from  our  families  an'  leave  'em  to  starve,  or  hide  with  'em  in 
the  mountains  or  jine  the  army.  So  I  concluded  to  jine  ;  an' 
I've  been  in  Braggs  army  mor'n  two  years." 

"  Why  did  you  leave  it,"  we  asked. 

"  Well  the  fact  was  I  begun  to  think  sure  we  was  in  the 
wrong,  else  we'd  fared  better'n  we  did.  For  I've  allays  al- 
lowed the  Lord  would  prosper  the  right  ride.  So  when  I 
found  that  I  had  to  march  or  fight  hard  all  day,  an'  have 
nothin'  more  to  eat  for  the  hull  twenty-four  hours,  than  a 
piece  o'bread  the  bigness  o'my  hand,  an'  a  piece  o'meat  only 
as  large  as  my  two  fingers — an'  have  been  so  hungry  for 
weeks  that  I  could  nearly  eat  my  own  fingers  off,  I  concluded 
to  desert  and  try  the  other  side. 

My  brother-in-law  left  Lee's  army  about  the  same  time  I 
left  Bragg's.  I  was  to  meet  him  and  my  wife,  at  his  house  in 
Athens  ;  but  when  I  was  coming  on  the  train  from  Charles- 
ton, I  saw  another  train  coming  that  ran  into  ours,  and  I 
jumped  off  and  broke  my  limb.  So  I  could'nt  go  there,  and 
they  brought  me  on  to  this  ^^lace. 

I've  enough  to  eat,  and  have  good  care,  and  should  feel 
right  well  contented  till  I  get  well,  if  I  only  could  know 
where  my  wife  Martha  is.  I've  sent  two  letters,  but  I 
can't  hear  a  word.  I've  got  a  letter  written  to  my  brother-in- 
law  about  her  now — its  lying  there." 

And  he  points  to  a  rough  board,  one  end  of  which  rests 
upon  his  bunk,  and  the  other  upon  an  empty  one  near,  and 
which  serves  him  in  place  of  a  stand. 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  41 

"  Its  been  waitin'  a  long  tkne  "  he  adds,  for  I  hav'nt  a  post- 
age stamp  on  it.  We  were  just  married  when  the  war  begun, 
an'  we  had  a  fine  start  for  young  folks,  but  I  let  my  gold  and 
silver  go  in  gittin'  settled,  and  the  Confederate  money's  worth 
nothin'  here,  so  I  hav'nt  a  penny  to  use." 

The  letter  was  put  in  the  office,  and  he  was  supplied  with 
stationary  and  stamps  during  our  stay.  He  wished  more 
added  to  his  letter  and  we  wrote  what  he  dictated. 

"  It's  the  first  time  I  ever  had  anybody  write  for  me,"  he 
said  proudly.  "  I  generally  do  my  own  writing — an'  readin' 
too,"  and  he  glanced  toward  some  books  he  had. 

"  An'  you  may  be  sure,"  he  added  as  we  left  him,  "  if  I  get 
well,  an'  my  wife  Martha  is  lost,  but  I'll  spend  the  rest  o'  my 
life  huntin'  but  Til  find  her  r 


8 


42  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 


CHAPTER    IV. 

Wednesday,  April  13. 

Entered  upon  my  duties  to-day,  as  lady  nurse  of  two  divi- 
sions of  tents  at  Small  Pox  Hospital. 

Not  obliged  to  come  here,  but  have  accepted  this  most  dis- 
agreeable place,  as  there  are  so  few  who  are  willing  to  take 
it.  Expect  to  be  quite  confined  to  the  place ;  and  the  hope 
of  doing  good  in  a  position  which  otherwise  would  be  vacant, 
is  the  inducement. 

The  Hospital  is  about  a  mile  out  from  the  city,  and  near 
Camp  Cumberland.  It  consists  of  tents  in  the  rear  of  a  fine, 
large  mansion  which  was  deserted  by  its  rebel  owner.  In 
these  tents  ai-e  about  800  i^atients — including  convalescents, 
contrabands,  soldiers  and  citizens.  Everything  seems  done 
for  their  comfort  which  can  well  be,  with  the  scarcity  of  help. 
Cleanliness  and  ventilation  are  duly  attended  to  ;  but  the  un- 
sightly, swollen  faces,  blotched  with  eruption,  or  presenting 
an  entire  scab,  and  the  offensive  odor,  require  some  strength 
of  nerve  in  those  who  minister  to  their  necessities.  There 
are  six  physicians  each  in  charge  of  a  division.  Those  in 
which  I  am  assigned  to  duty  are  in  charge  of  Drs.  P.  &  C. 
There  is  but  one  lady  nurse  here,  aside  from  the  wives  of  three 
surgeons, — each  of  whom,  however,  has  her  special  duty. 

Mrs.  B.,  the  nurse,  went  with  me  through  the  tents,  intro- 
duced me  to  the  patients  and  explained  my  duties. 

April  14. 

A  woman  and  boy  died  in  my  division  last  night.  The 
woman  left  a  little  child,  eighteen  months  old,  which  is  incon- 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  43 

solable.  The  father,  a  soldier,  wishes  to  take  the  child 
away,  but  was  not  permitted  to  do  so  or  to  see  it,  for  fear  of 
contagion.  It  is  to  be  kept  to  see  if  the  child  has  tlie  dis- 
ease. [It  did  not,  and  had  no  scar  from  vaccination,  such 
queer  freaks  the  disease  takes.] 

The  boy,  an  Alabamian,  told  me  yesterday  he  was  getting 
better.  He  had  been  sent  here  with  measles,  recovered  from 
those,  but  the  small  pox  did  not  break  out.  He  died  easy, 
and  said  he  was  "going  to  Heaven.'-  I  write  his  people  to- 
day, via  Fortress  Monroe.  His  name  was  G.  B.  Alien,  of 
Rockford,  Cousa  Co.,  Alabama.  One  man  died  yesterday,  to 
whose  people  I  have  written  to-day.  Another  died  to-day. 
The  mortality  here  is  great.     Said  one  patient  to  me ; 

"  People  die  mighty  easy  here." 

I  asked  in  what  way,  he  meant. 

"  Oh,"  he  replied,  "  they'll  be  mighty  peart-like,  one  min- 
ute, an'  the  next  you  know,  they're  dead ! " 

This  is  true,  and  I  find  so  many  who  were  sent  here  with 
measles,  recover  from  those,  and  die  of  small  pox.  Sixty 
cases  of  ineasles  were  sent  to  this  hospital  in  one  month,  as  I 
learn  from  the  lips  of  the  surgeon  in  charge  himself.  Dr.  F. 
These  are  sent  by  the  several  physicians  of  Nashville.  The 
fact  itself  speaks  volumes,  but  to  stay  here  and  see  its  effects 
day  after  day  in  the  poor  victims  of  such  ignorance,  impress 
one  with  a  sense  of  the  importance  by  the  medical  faculty  of 
distinguishing  between  the  two  diseases. 

Saturday,  April  16. 

I  find  many  very  interesting  cases  here,  some  of  which 
shall  wait  to  see  the  finale  before  making  note  of  them. 

What  seems  to  me  a  strange  feature,  as  I  become  more 
familiar  with  death-bed  scenes,  is  the  fact  that  so  few  know 
tliey  are  dying  or  are  even  dangerous,  but  persist  with  the  last 


44  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

breath,  or  until  the  last  struggle,  that  they  are  "  getting  bet- 
ter." 

One  poor  young  boy  from  Georgia,  by  the  name  of  Ash- 
man, who  must  die,  although  he  eats  nothing  except  a  few 
canned  peaches  and  milk,  which  I  carry  to  him,  will  tell  me 
sometimes  when  I  go  into  the  tent,  that  he  is  expecting  a  can 
of  peaches  every  minute  from  home,  and  at  another  that  he 
has  just  heard  that  his  mother  is  in  town,  and  that  if  he  re- 
ally knew  she  was,  he  would'nt  lie  there  a  great  while  before 
he'd  be  hunting  her  up.  At  another,  he  asked  my  name  and 
State,  and  whether  I  took  him  to  be  a  man  or  only  a  little 
boy.  He  is  a  slight  little  fellow  of  about  18,  but  in  answer 
to  the  question  I  told  him  that  of  course  I  considered  one  re- 
ally a  man  who  could  be  a  soldier  and  fight  for  our  country, 
and  who  could  be  so  good  and  patient  while  sick.  To-day  he 
called  me  to  him,  as  soon  as  I  entered  the  tent,  and  asked  if  I 
"  could'ut  discharge  him  to-day — that  the  doctor  had  told  him 
to  ask  me  about  it,  and  that  whatever  I  said  he  might  do." 

I  told  him  that  I  would  discharge  him  just  as  soon  as  that 
limb  of  his  got  well,  and  reminded  him  that  he  would  want  to 
be  able  to  walk  to  the  cars  before  starting  home.  He  has  a 
bad  abscess  on  his  limb,  from  which  the  doctor  says  the  flesh  is 
sloughing,  and  he  does  not  expect  him  to  live  through  to- 
night. And  yet  the  boy  wants  me  to  "  write  to  his  mother 
in  Atlanta,  Georgia,  and  tell  her  to  write  to  his  aunt  Shady 
in  Butler,"  that  he  "  has  been  sicJc,  but  is  getting  better." 

One  man — G.  W.  Crane,  of  3d  Missouri  Infantry,  and  who 
is  called  Major,  was  given  up  the  day  before  yesterday  by 
Dr.  E. 

He  complained  greatly  of  his  throat,  and  I  have  since  kept 
wet  bandages  on  it,  greatly  to  his  relief.  I  asked  permission 
of  the  doctor  to  do  this,  and  advice  as  to  telling  him  of  his  dan- 
ger.    He  thought  it  would  be  well  to  do  so,  as  he  might  wish 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  45 

to  make  some  business  arrangements.  It  was  a  most  unwel- 
come task,  but  I  believed  it  best ;  and  first,  asked  him  if  he 
would  like  a  letter  written  to  his  people. 

"  Oh  no,"  was  the  reply,  I  shall  be  able  to  write  myself  in 
a  few  days." 

"  Perhaps  you  may,"  I  said,  "  but  we  are  all  in  more  or  less 
danger  when  sick."  Adding  as  gently  as  possible,  "  How 
would  you  feel  about  it,  if  you  thought  you  were  not  going  to 
get  well  ?" 

The  queries  seemed  cruel,  but  I  knew  he  had  loaned  a  gold 
watch  and  money  to  a  man,  and  thought  he  might  wish  to  at- 
tend to  that  and  other  matters.  But  he  said  decidedly  "  I  do 
not  thmk  anything  about  it,  as  I  have  no  doubt  I  shall  soon 
be  up  again.  And  Madam,"  he  added  politely,  "it  would 
afford  me  great  pleasure  to  talk  with  you,  if  I  were  feeling 
well  and  in  good  spirits  you  know,  but  my  throat  is  so  bad  it 
hurts  me  to  talk." 

After  this  rebuff,  and  being  really  undecided  as  to  duty  in 
the  matter,  I  left  him.  Yesterday  I  found  him  living,  but  evi- 
dently near  his  end,  and  I  felt  that  I  ought  to  let  him  know 
his  condition.  First,  I  asked  as  before  about  writing  letters, 
when  he  said  with  great  difficulty  that  he  did'nt  wish  to  talk 
with  me  as  it  distressed  him  to  speak.  I  then  said  I  would 
only  ask  him  one  or  two  questions  and  then  leave  him,  and  I 
said : — 

If  the  doctor  and  all  thought  you  could  not  live,  would  you 
wish  to  know  it  ?" 

He  said  "  No,"  decidedly. 

"  Well  then,"  I  said  "  I  will  not  trouble  you  any  more,  but 
if  at  any  time  you  wish  letters  written,  you  can  send  me  word 
by  the  nurse." 

I  left  him  and  he  died  in  about  an  hour.  He  called  for 
water,  but  as  the  nurse  raised  him  to  give  it,  he  exclaimed  "  I 


46  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

am  dying,"  and  then  gave  some  incoherent  charge,  in  which 
the  nurse  distinguished  the  words;  "the  lady"  and  "a  let- 
ter." 

His  request  has  been  complied  with. 

Mrs.  F.  was  relating  a  similar  incident  to  me  the  other 
evening.  Dr.  F.  was  at  the  depot  in  Nashville,  when  an  old 
acquaintance  was  found  there,  who  had  been  ill,  had  received 
a  sick  furlough,  and  was  to  take  the  cars  for  home.  He  was 
so  feeble,  he  was  persuaded  to  go  to  a  hospital  to  remain  over 
night,  and  take  the  train  next  day.  In  the  course  of  the  eve- 
ning there  was  a  change,  and  the  physician  knew  he  could 
live  but  a  short  time.  He  knew  also  that  w^ere  he  aware  of 
the  truth  he  would  wish  to  send  some  message  to  his  family. 
The  man  was  speaking  of  his  home  and  laying  plans  for  the 
future,  when  the  physician  asked  if  he  should'nt  write  a  letter 
for  him  to  his  wife. 

"  Why  no,"  he  replied,  "  what  need  of  that  when  I'm  to 
start  home  tomorrow  ?" 

"  You  may  not  go  then,"  said  the  doctor. 

"  Oh,  yes,"  I  must  start  tomorrow,"  was  the  reply. 

The  surgeon  did  not  answer  immediately,  but  was  sadly 
thinking  how  to  do  so,  and  regarding  the  countenance  of  his 
friend,  when  the  patient,  who  was  about  talking  more  of  his 
plans,  suddenly  paused  upon  observing  the  expression  of  the 
surgeon's  face,  and  earnestly  asked  : — 

"  Doctor  —  you  do  not  think  me  very  sick,  do  you  ?" 

"  I  do,"  was  the  sad  reply. 

"  But  doctor  you  don't  think  me  dangerous  ?" 

"  I  think  you  a  very  sick  man." 

He  lay  silent  for  a  few  moments  while  thought  was  busy, 
and  then  asked  : — 

"  Am  I  about  to  '  cross  the  lines,'  doctor  f 

Tears,  and  the  simple  "  I  think  you  are,"  was  the  answer. 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  47 

Then  was  business  arranged,  messages  given,  and  thej  were 
alone  again.     Then  he  said  : 

"  Why,  doctor  is  this  all  that  death  is  ?  It's  nothing  at  all  to 
die." 

And  thus  he  "  crossed  the  lines." 

Sunday,  April  17. 

Attended  service  in  dining  hall.  Chaplain  S.  officiated,  and 
spoke  very  well.  At  the  close  I  gave  him  the  message  sent 
by  two  sick  men  in  my  division  to  visit  them.  He  promised 
to  do  so,  but  though  he  had  to  pass  the  tents  where  the  men 
were,  in  going  to  his  room,  he  did  not  do  so.  Am  sorry,  as 
the  men  may  not  live.  He  may  have  forgotten  it,  and  if  the 
men  are  living  tomorrow,  will  remind  him  of  the  same.  But 
I  think  it  strange  that  he  has  not  visited  any  one  in  my  two 
divisions,  when  so  many  have  died. 

Three  more  have  died  since  yesterday  forenoon.  Geo.  W. 
Boughton,  —  Co.,  2nd  Batt.  Vet.  Res.,  Nelson  Correll,  of  Co. 
B.  13  Tenn.  Cav.  and  young  Ashman  mentioned  in  previous 
date. 

One  man,  who  is  nearly  given  up  by  physicians,  says  he  has 
been  through  the  Mexican  war.  He  is  sergeant  and  will 
swear  one  minute  and  pray  the  next.  He  declares  he  always 
has  liad  his  own  way,  and  loill  have  it  here.  He  is  delirious 
part  of  the  time,  but  like  some  others  of  that  class  thinks 
everybody  crazy  but  himself.  If  it  is  his  sovereign  will  and 
pleasure  to  get  out  of  bed  and  walk  about  en  dishabille,  or 
take  a  trip  over  the  mountains  on  some  secret  service,  for 
which  he  fancies  there  is  a  war  steed  just  outside, 

"  All  saddled,  all  bridled  all  fit  for  a  fight," 
he  thinks  the  nurse  is  slightly  out  of  his  head  to  show  so 
little  respect  to  a  superior  officer  as  to  threaten  to  tie  him  down 
to  his  bed.     It  has  been  necessary  with  him  and  others.     He, 


48  HOSPITAL     PENCILLING8. 

and  another  man  who  lay  at  a  little  distance,  were  both  delir- 
ious last  night,  and  had  an  argument  with  each  other — or 
what  they  supposed  was  one,  though  it  seemed  difficult  for  the 
nurses  to  vouch  for  its  connectedness.  But  it  is  certain  that 
a  considerable  number  of  oaths  were  used,  and  each  assured 
the  other,  in  plain  terms,  that  he  didn't  keep  truth  on  his  side. 
The  sergeant,  after  much  gesticulation  and  violent  language, 
threatened  the  other  with  a  personal  chastisement  if  he  wasn't 
more  reasonable  in  his  statements.  He  was  about  stepping  out 
of  bed  to  put  the  threat  into  practice,  when  the  nurse  produ- 
ced a  rope  to  tie  him  with,  if  he  wasn't  quiet ;  upon  which  he 
concluded  to  defer  the  matter.  When  he  wishes  water,  he 
will  sing  out  in  a  stentorian  voice,  for  the 
"  Corporal  of  the  Third  Relief  !" 

Monday  April  18. 

One  man,  this  morning,  while  I  was  taking  the  name  of  one 
who  had  just  died,  to  write  to  his  friends,  told  me  that  people 
throughout  the  whole  land,  will  bless  me  for  what  I  am  doing. 
Wonder  if  I  am  doing  good.  I  cannot  help  knowing  that 
some  will  hear  from  their  friends  who  die  here,  who  other- 
wise would  not. 

There  is  a  singular  case  in  Dr.  C's.  division.  Upon  enter- 
ing the  tent  the  first  day  after  my  arrival,  with  reading  mat- 
ter for  distribution,  I  inquired  of  a  young  German  if  he  could 
read  that  language  presenting  a  paper.  He  said  "  no,"  I  then 
offered  one  in  the  English  language,  asking  the  same  question 
He  said  he  could  read,  but  didn't  wish  the  paper.  The  next 
day  I  did  not  notice  him  particularly,  as  he  was  sitting  up,  but 
the  day  following  found  him  lying  in  bed,  and  that  he  would 
not  answer  when  spoken  to.  While  feeding  another  man 
with  canned  peaches  who  lay  near,  the  nurse  said  : — 

"  You  cannot  make  that  man  speak  to  you." 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  49 

"  What  is  the  trouble,"  was  asked. 

"  Well,  it  is  this,"  was  the  reply.  He  says  that  day  before 
yesterday,  when  you  asked  him  if  he  could  read  English,  he 
told  you  a  falsehood,  for  he  cannot  read  at  all.  He  has  been 
dreadfully  distressed  about  it  ever  since,  and  says  the  Lord 
has  appeared  to  him  and  told  him  not  to  eat  a  mouthful,  nor 
speak  to  any  one  except  once  a  day,  to  the  surgeon  and  my- 
self, until  he  has  forgiven  him  for  the  sin.  He  will  speak  to 
no  one,  not  even  the  other  nurse  who  has  charge  a  part  of  the 
time,  and  says,  he  will  not,  until  he  gets  religion." 

"  What  is  his  name  ?" 

"  Oswald." 

"  Wouldn't  you  like  some  of  these  nice  canned  peaches,  Os- 
wald ? "  w^e  ask,  dipping  up  some  of  the  delicious  fruit.  He 
looked  at  us  smiling  but  with  tightly  pressed  ]ips. 

"  These  are  very  nice — they'll  do  you  good,  and  we  want 
to  make  you  well  as  soon  as  possible.     Won't  you  have  some, 
Oswald  ?" 
*  No  answer. 

"  Not  going  to  speak  to  me  ?  Why  only  think — here's  a 
man  trying  to  get  religion  and  be  a  Christian  and  he  won't 
speak  to  somebody  else  who  is  a  Christian.  I've  professed  to 
be  one  these  many  years,  and  you  won't  speak  to  me !  Now, 
if  you  could  only  read  the  Bible,  you'd  know  that  it  says 
"  speak  often  to  each  other.     You  cannot  read,  can  you  ?  " 

He  shakes  his  head. 

"  Well,  it's  a  pity,  but  don't  you  see  that  if  the  Bible  says 
so,  you  ought  to  speak,  and  don't  you  see  that  Christian  min- 
isters have  to  talk  to  sinners  to  teach  them  to  be  good — and 
if  ministers  talk  to  sinners,  shouldn't  sinners  talk  to  Chris- 
tians— don't  you  see  that  ?  " 

"  Yes,  yes,  I  do,"  he  ejaculated,  seizing  my  hand — "  I  will 
talk  to  you  for  you're  a  Christian." 
9 


50  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

We  gave  him  some  peaches  and  left  him. 

The  next  morning,  however,  nothing  could  induce  him  to 
speak.  He  has  continued  thus  ever  since — five  days  and  has 
eaten  nothing.  He  received  a  forcible  cold  bath  this  morning 
with  the  promise  of  its  repetition  if  he  does  not  speak  and 
eat.  [This  was  continued  till  he  both  spoke  and  ate.  But 
he  was  believed  to  be  a  hopeless  monomaniac,  and  after  some 
weeks  received  his  discharge  and  was  sent  home.]  It  is  pos- 
sible that  this  is  mere  pretence  and  his  object  the  same  as 
that  of  another  soldier  of  whom  we  have  heard,  at  Jefferson 
Barracks,  Mo.  This  one  used  to  go  daily  with  a  bent  pin 
for  a  fishhook,  and  sit  for  hours  upon  a  stump  on  the  hillside, 
waiting  quietly  for  the  bite  which  never  came,  at  least  in  the 
estimation  of  others.  He  was  the  butt  of  ridicule  for  the 
whole  camp,  who,  while  they  pitied  him  on  account  of  his  sup- 
posed insanity,  could  but  laugh  at  his  perseverance  mjishing 
upon  dry  ground.  He  received  his  discharge,  when  flourish- 
ing it  in  their  faces,  he  informed  them  that  it  was  "  now' his 
turn  to  laugh,  as  he  had  received  what  he  had  all  along  been 
fishing  for — viz:  a  discharged 

• 
Tuesday,  April  19. 

Another  change.  I  am  to  leave  this  hospital  to-day,  as  a 
Miss  P.  from  Chicago,  who  had  been  engaged  for  the  place, 
and  expected  some  three  weeks  since,  has  just  arrived.  I 
have  become  really  attached  to  the  patients,  and  on  some  ac- 
counts dislike  leaving.  It  seems  that  Miss  O.  and  myself 
were  intended  for  Chattanooga  or  other  place  farther  toward 
the  front,  but  in  consequence  of  waiting  for  Miss  O.,  the 
place  was  filled  before  our  arrival.  I  fear  there  may  not 
be  any  other  place  open  for  me.  And  when  I  can  go  in 
so  many  hospitals  and  see  sick  men  suffering  from  neglect  or 
want  of  moi'e  help,  I  shall  think  it  very  hard  if  I  cannot  do 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  51 

something.     Two  other  ladies  have  been  sent  back,  with  the 
assurance  that  there  was  no  oj)ening  for  them. 

I  have  just  been  through  the  tents  and  introduced  Miss  P. 
to  the  patients.  Many  are  feeling  sad,  or  appearing  and  ex- 
pressing themselves  so,  that  I  am  going  to  leave.  Received 
many  warm  expressions  of  gratitude  from  many  for  the  very 
little  I  have  been  able  to  do  for  them. 

In  going  into  one  tent,  found  one  of  the  nurses  just  recov- 
ering from  an  attack  of  lockjaw.  When  able  to  speak,  he 
told  me  that  it  had  "  followed  him,  like  an  evil  shadow,  for 
ten  long  years." 

Then  followed  an  interesting  recital  of  the  cause,  which  was 
a  gun-shot  wound  in  the  spine  from  the  hand  of  a  brother  in 
an  encounter  with  a  grizzly  bear  in  the  rocky  mountain.  He 
himself  ran  away  from  home  at  the  age  of  twelve,  to  follow 
his  brother  in  a  hunting  expedition.  After  the  brother  had 
fired,  the  bear  sprang  toward  him,  and  with  one  stroke  of  his 
paw  laid  the  flesh  from  the  bone  from  the  forehead  down  one 
side  of  his  face  and  arm  to  the  elbow.  The  ball  had  only 
grazed  the  spine  of  the  narrator,  and  seeing  his  brother  in 
such  danger,  who  called  to  him  to  fire,  he  did  so  and  fortu- 
nately the  shot  was  fatal  to  bruin.  Their  horses  bore  them 
to  the  nearest  settlement,  and  the  brother's  life  was  saved. 

This  nurse  I  had  always  observed  as  quiet,  efficient,  faith- 
ful, and  a  favorite  with  the  patients. 

The  sergeant  mentioned  last  under  date  of  the  17th,  over- 
hearing me  say  that  I  was  to  leave  to-day,  and  that  I  did  not 
know  where  I  should  be  stationed,  advised  me  "  not  to  be  go- 
ing round  from  one  place  to  another,  but  to  join  a  regiment,  as 
I  would  be  in  less  danger  from  guerillas." 

Northern  people,  who  think  that  all  Government  employees 
fatten  on  commissary  stores,  ought  to'  see  the  table  which  is 
set  at  this  hospital.     It  is  exceedingly  plain ;  and  it  some- 


52  HOSPITAL     rENCILLIXGS. 

times  requires  more  moral  courage  than  all  are  very  long, 
capable  of  exercising,  to  inhale  the  odor  of  oyster  soup, 
custards,  pies,  and  sweatmeats,  which  latter  are  sometimes 
prepared  for  those  who  are  convalescing,  but  very  rare- 
ly bless  the  palate  of  those  who  prepare  them,  or  daily  to 
deal  out  the  jellys,  blanc-mange  and  canned  fruit  without  ever 
tasting.  An  instance  of  this  kind  has  occurred  here  which 
not  only  increased  our  respect  for  the  surgeon,  but  amused  us 
not  a  little. 

The  usual  rations,  such  as  tough  army  beef,  baker's  bread 
and  stale  butter,  with  muddy  coffee,  served  in  brown  mugs, 
has  been  the  diet  for  so  long  a  time  that  it  has  ceased  to  be 
very  palatable.  To  the  steward  perhaps  this  was  particularly 
so,  and  probably  thinking  that  we  had  been  sufficiently  indus- 
trious and  self-denying  to  merit  a  treat,  and  as  five  boxes  of 
canned  oysters  had  just  arrived  as  a  present  from  the  Chris- 
tian commission,  he  ordered  enough  cooked  for  dinner,  in  ad- 
dition to  the  usual  fare,  to  give  all,  from  the  surgeon  in  charge 
to  the  servants,  a  taste. 

"  It  will  take  but  five  cans  for  us,"  said  the  wife  of  the  sur- 
geon-in-charge  to  me,  "  while  for  the  patients  a  meal,  it  will 
require  twenty  cans." 

So  she,  with  the  wife  of  doctor  R.,  who  jointly  had  charge 
of  the  diet  kitchen,  prepared  the  oysters,  and  at  the  usual 
hour,  tliose,  with  the  liungr}^  expectants,  appeared  in  the  din- 
ing-room. The  soup  had  been  partially  served  up  but  no  one 
had  time  to  taste  it,  when  the  surgeon-in-charge  walked  in 
and  took  a  seat  at  the  table.  Probably  the  peculiar  odour  of 
the  oysters  and  the  ominous  hush  at  the  table  warned  him  to 
be  on  the  alert  for  something  unusual. 

Unusually  demure,  certainly,  was  the  manner  of  the  one 
table  waiter,  as  he  proceeded  to  the  table,  with  another  dish 
of  the  forbidden  food. 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  53 

The  surgeon  might  well  have  exclaimed  with  Caesar,  "  Veni 
vidi,  vici,"  for  smoothing  an  instant  smile  from  his  features, 
with  a  forced  sternness  he  demanded :  — 

"  What  have  you  there  ?" 

"  Oysters,"  meekly  responded  the  servant,  who  as  well  as 
the  rest  of  us,  more  than  suspected  what  might  be  coming. 

"  Take  every  one  of  those  from  the  table,"  said  he,  "  and 
don't  let  me  see  anything  of  this  kind  again.  There  are  too 
many  sick  boys  up  at  the  tents,  needing  these  things,  for  us 
to  eat  them  !" 

The  oysters  tvere  taken  from  the  table  we  are  quite  posi- 
tive, and  furthermore,  that  that  was  the  last  we  ever  saw  of 
them. 

It  was,  however,  respectfully  suggested  to  the  surgeon  by 
some  one  that  he  make  it  convenient  to  dine  out  at  as  early  a 
day  as  possible,  and  acquaint  his  wife  and  the  steward  with 
the  fact  some  time  previous.  He  didn't  promise,  however, 
and  the  oysters  have  never  since  appeared  to  us. 


10 


54  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 


CHAPTER    V. 

Wednesday,  April  20. 

Back  in  town  again.  I've  done  something  but  havn't  the 
least  idea  what,  to  displease  somebody  and  havn't  the  least 
idea  who.  Perhaps  some  one  of  my  friends  here,  will,  after  a 
day  or  so  find  the  important  secret  too  burdensome  to  keep 
alone,  and  will  share  it  with  me. 

Just  think  what  it  is,  Hallicarnassus,  to  go  abroad  and  see 
the  world — and  feel  it  too,  for  that  matter. 

But  in  order  to  think  as  little  as  possible  of  that  terrible 
crime  of  which  I've  been  guilty,  before  finding  out  what  it  is, 
am  going  to  hunt  up  enough  work  to  keep  my  head  and 
hands  busy  in  the  hospitals  about  town. 

Glad  to  meet  my  travelling  companion,  Miss  O.,  again. 
She  has  remained  at  this  home  of  the  Christian  Commission, 
engaged  in  the  preparation  of  delicacies,  which  are  taken  out 
to  hospitals,  or  barracks,  as  needed. 

This  building,  to  which  we  came  upon  our  arrival,  is  a  spa- 
cious three  story  brick,  at  No.  14  Spruce  Street.  It  was  de- 
serted by  a  rebel  banker  just  before  our  forces  entered  Nash- 
ville, who  took  nothing  south,  except  his  gold  and  silver.  A 
man  from  New  York,  whose  conscience  permitted  him  to  take 
the  oath  of  allegiance,  removed  and  stored  up  against  the  re- 
turn of  his  rebel  friend,  the  silver  and  glass  service,  curtains, 
works  of  art,  &c.,  but  left  much  fine  furniture,  such  as  massive 
sofa  bedsteads,  marble-topped  stands,  tables,  bureaux,  a  well- 
filled  book-case,  writing  table  and  piano. 

In  Secretary  Stanton's  own  handwriting,  we  saw  permission 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  55 

given  to  occupy  this  building  till  the  close  of  the  war,  to  INIrs. 
H.,  of  the  Philadelphia  Ladies'  Aid  Society,  "  together  with 
other  ladies  who  might  be  associated  with  her,  in  any  benevo- 
lent enterprise  having  for  its  object  the  relief  of  invalid 
Union  soldiers." 

She  is  confident  he  meant  benevolent  gentlemen,  also,  so 
one  half  of  the  house  is  given  up  to  the  Rev.  E.  P.  Smith 
and  family,  who  make  a  home  for  the  delegates  of  the  Chris- 
tian Commission. 

Thus  are  many  of  the  private  as  well  as  public  buildings 
reduced  from  their  lofty  position  of  serving  southern  chivalry^ 
to  the  vile  misuse  of  northern  mudsills.  "  Oh,  Babylon  how 
art  thou  fallen  !"  must  be  the  lamentation  of  the  Nashvillians, 
as  they  see  the  desecration  of  their  beautiful  edifices  by  north- 
ern vandals. 

"  Oh  !  the  citizens  here  would  tear  us  to  pieces  very  quick," 
said  Mrs.  Smith,  the  eve  of  our  arrival,  "  were  it  not  for  the 
'  blue  coats '  about.  Our  dependence  is  in  those  and  the 
guns  of  Fort  Negley." 

Evening, 

Visited  the  Refugee  Home  again,  this  P.  M.  Saw  some 
of  those  mentioned  in  a  previous  date.  As  I  entered  one 
room,  a  woman  was  bustling  about  in  a  great  passion,  and 
picking  up  a  few  personal  rags,  while  ordering  her  son  to  get 
up  and  they  would  find  a  place  to  stay  where  she  shouldn't  be 
"  set  to  do  niggar's  work  ! " 

She  was  a  healthy,  strong  woman,  and  had  been  repeatedly 
requested  to  make  her  own  and  son's  bed,  and  assist  in  sweep- 
ing or  cooking  for  the  numerous  inmates.  Indeed,  I  think 
she  had  received  a  gentle  hint  that  it  might  be  as  well  to  see 
that  her  son  and  herself  had  clean  linen  as  often  as  once  in 
two  or  three  weeks,  and  that  the  use  of  a  comb  occasionally 


56  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

would  not  detract  from  their  personal  appearance.  But 
she  had  her  own  peculiar  ideas,  obtained  from  living  under 
the  domination  of  a  peculiar  institution,  and  didn't  fancy  be- 
ing dictated  to  in  the  delicate  matter  of  her  per so7i€Ue. 

Ujwn  entering  what  is  called  the  lecture-room  we  saw  sev- 
eral families  and  parts  of  families,  which  had  within  two  hours 
arrived  on  the  trains  from  Alabama  or  Georgia. 

I  found  that  some  of  these  snuff-dipping,  clay-colored, 
greasy  and  uncombed  ladies  "  from  Alabam  and  Gorgee,"  are 
as  expert  marksmen  as  any  of  our  northern  exquisites,  as 
they  deposit  the  "  terbaker  "  juice  most  beautifully  into  and 
around  any  knot-hole  or  crack  in  the  floor,  and  while  they 
are  at  the  distance  of  several  feet.  Its  wonderful  how  they 
do  it — am  afraid  I  should  never  be  able  to  learn. 

We  approach  one  woman  who  is  standing  by  a  rough  board 
bunk,  upon  and  around  which  are  several  children  overcome 
by  the  fatigue  of  travelling.  She,  unlike  the  generality,  is 
neatly  dressed  in  a  clean  dark  calico  and  sunbonnet,  and 
wears  a  cheerful  and  intelligent  look.  She  informs  us  that 
these  are  all  her  childi-en — six  of  them,  that  her  husband  is 
in  the  Union  army,  only  a  few  miles  out,  that  he  had  sent  for 
her  to  come  here,  and  she  expects  to  see  him  in  a  few  days. 
She  cannot  write,  for  she  hasn't  been  to  school  a  day  in  her 
life,  and  she  says  : — 

"  An'  that  thar's  suthin'  you  people  hev'  up  north,  thet  we 
don't.  Poor  folks  thar,  hev'  a  chance  to  give  thar  children 
some  larnin' ;  but  them  as  owns  plantations  down  our  way, 
don't  give  poor  folks  no  chance.  Larnin's  only  for  rich  folks. 
But  my  children  shan't  grow  up  to  not  know  no  more  nor 
thar  father  nor  thar  mother,  ef  I  kin'  help  it.  Ef  this  war 
don't  close  so's  to  make  it  better  for  poor  folks  down  har,  we'll 
go  north.  Thar's  a  woman  what  kin'  write,"  she  adds  with 
an  admiring  glance  to  the  other  side  of  the  room,  "  an'  she's 
writin'  a  letter  for  me  to  my  husband." 


HOSPITAL     PEXCILLINGS.  57 

We  glance  that  way,  and  see  a  youngish  woman,  whose 
entire  clothing  evidently  consists  of  one  garment,  a  dress 
which  is  colored  with  some  kind  of  bark.  She  sits  in  con- 
scious superiority,  scarcely  deigning  to  notice  us,  as  we  ap- 
proach, while  she  is  carefully  managing  the  writing  with  one 
eye,  while  her  head  is  turned  half  way  from  it,  so  that  the 
ashes  or  coal,  from  the  long  pipe  between  her  lips,  may  not 
fall  upon  the  paper.  Her  air  and  manner  are  evidently  in- 
tended to  be  regal,  for  isn't  she  the  woman  "  what  kin'  write  ?" 

At  a  little  distance  sat  a  hale,  broad-shouldered,  stalwart 
man,  who  looked  as  if  he  were  able  to  do  the  work  of  half  a 
dozen  common  men,  who  inquired  of  us,  where  "  Hio  was — if 
'twas  in  Dlinois  " — and  whether  if  he  went  to  either  of  those 
places  he  would  be  "  pressed  into  the  service."  In  reply,  we 
informed  the  gentleman  that  "  Ohio  was  not  in  Illinois,  but 
that  if  he  went  to  either,  he  would  probably  have  to  stand  his 
chance  of  being  drafted,  together  with  other  good  loyalists — 
with  the  physicians,  lawyers,  editors,  and  ministers.  He  did 
not  reply  to  that,  but  his  looks  spoke  eloquently, 

"  For  a  lodge  in  some  vast  wdlderness, — 
Some  boimdless  contiguity  of  shade  " 
Where  war  and  draft  come  not. 

Miss  Ada  jM.,  the  Matron  of  the  Refugee  Home,  was,  in 
our  room  this  eve,  and  said  that  she  was  yesterday  ^^reparing 
some  sewing  for  some  young  Misses,  who  were  conversing 
earnestly  about  the  Yankees.  Finding  their  ideas  rather 
erroneous  with  regard  to  that  class  of  people,  she  made  a  re- 
mark to  the  eiFect  that  she  was  one  herself. 

"  Why,  you  'aint  a  Yankee?"  exclaimed  a  Miss  of  fifteen 
dropping  her  work  in  blank  astonishment. 

"  Yes,  indeed,  I  am,"  was  the  reply. 

"  Why,"  said  the  girl,  with  remarkably  large  eyes,  "  I've 


58  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

allays  liearn  tell  that  the  Yankees  has  horns,  and  one  eye  in 
the  middle  of  their  foreheads  !  " 

Fridat,  22. 

Yesterday  morning,  Mr.  F.,  a  gentleman  from  my  native 
State,  Massachusetts,  and  who  has  charge  of  the  Refugee 
Farm,  asked  if  I  would  not  like  to  ride  out  to  the  place, — they 
*'  wanted  a  teacher  and  perhaps  I  might  be  willing  to  engage 
as  one,  if  not  the  ride  and  fresh  air  would  do  me  good." 

"  Yes,  I  should  enjoy  it." 

Then  hour  after  hour  passed  away,  with  the  fresh  morning 
air,  and  not  until  at  the  dinner  table  did  I  meet  my  expected 
cavalier.     He  explained : 

The  fact  was  the  poor  old  nag,  which  hadjjeen  turned  out 
some  months  before  by  government  to  die,  like  some  other 
contrabands  of  war,  wouldn't  work — he  was  free  !  But  he 
had  confiscated  another  animal  from  Government  and  hoped 
he  might  not  long  say  of  that  as  in  the  nursery  ballad,  that 

"  The  horse  wouldn't  go," 

as  it  was 

"  Time  he  and  I  were  gone  an  hour  and  a  half  ago." 

One,  two  and  three  o'clock  came,  and  I  overheard  Lucy, 
one  of  the  black  girls,  of  about  fourteen — though  she  doesn't 
know  her  age — laughing  about  "  that  thar  Mr.  F.,  who  had 
been  for  two  long  hours,  a  curryin'  an'  pattin'  an'  feedin'  that 
old  horse  with  sugar,  to  coax  it  to  be  good :  but  I  know  by  its 
actions  it  has  never  been  harnessed  'fore  a  carriage  in  its  life. 
For  it  acts,  for  all  the  world,  like  I  did,  when  I  ran  away  to 
find  my  freedom.  I  couldn't  tell  for  my  life,  whether  to  go 
backwards  or  forward,  to  keep  out  of  danger." 

In  answer  to  my  questions,  she  tells  me  that  she  was  "  the 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  59 

very  first  one  that  Lincoln  set  free  in  Winchester,  but  that  as 
soon  as  she  was  gone,  all  the  other  nigs  left." 

Of  course,  her  remarks  about  the  horse  were  not  very  en- 
couraging as  regarded  the  safety  or  pleasure  of  the  trip,  even 
if  he  decided  at  last  to  go  forward  instead  of  backward.  At 
half-past  three,  the  equipage  was  announced  in  readiness, 
when,  with  a  most  self-denying  spirit,  I  assured  the  gentle- 
man, that  I  would  willingly  forego  the  pleasure,  if  the  animal 
was  not  perfectly  safe.  But  he  was  quite  positive  upon  that 
subject,  and  as  I  perceived  the  appearance  of  the  contraband 
did  not  indicate  anything  vicious  or  powerful  enough  to  be 
very  dangerous,  we  started.  Had  a  ride  of  perhaps  two 
miles  upon  the  other  side  of  the  town,  stopped  a  moment  by 
the  guard,  then  allowed  to  proceed  a  mile  farther  to  the  Re- 
fugee Farm. 

This  is  best  known  to  citizens  as  the  Eweing  farm.  It  was 
a  splendid  place,  but  has  been  nearly  ruined  by  General  Buel's 
army  who  camped  uj^on  it.  Trees  were  felled,  fences  torn 
down,  windows  broken  entirely  out,  and  several  fine  out- 
buildings destroyed,  such  as  a  spring-house  and  conservatory, 
which  I  would  like  to  have  seen  in  its  glory.  Picked  a 
beautiful  bouquet  of  aj^ple-japonica  and  pomegranate  blos- 
soms. Saw  a  "  Butternut "  planting  cotton.  He  told  me  he 
expects,  if  the  crop  does  well,  to  realize  "  one  bale  of  picked 
cotton  "  from  the  two  acres,  which  at  present  prices  will  brino- 
$250.  The  yield,  he  said,  was  only  about  a  half  or  a  third 
what  it  would  be  three  degrees  farther  south. 

Sunday,  24. 

Went  out  in  an  ambulance  with  Rev.  Dr.  D.,  Mr.  E.  and 
Mrs.  H.,  Iowa  State  Agent,  to  hear  the  first  named  gentle- 
man preach  to  a  portion  of  the  fifths  I  think,  Ohio  Cavalry. 
They  are  camped  on  the  Achlen  estate.     Saw  a  tree  called 


60  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

the  Red  Bud  and  the  mistletoe  for  the  first  time.  The  last 
grew  on  an  elm.  Secured  sjDecimens  of  each  for  pressing. 
Was  indebted  for  the  same  to  politeness  of  a  gentleman  who 
sported  one  bar. 

Attended  service  also  this  morn  and  eve  at  Union  Church ; 
Rev.  Mr.  Allen  officiated  in  the  morning  and  Rev.  Mr.  Cramer 
this  eve.  The  last  is  a  young  man  and  brother-in-law  of 
General  Grant. 

Monday,  25. 

The  ambulance  and  driver  were  j)laced  at  my  disposal  this 
P.M.,  and  I  visited  Hospital  No.  1.  I  find  changes  here,  but 
mostly  for  the  better.  Some  have  recovered  sufficiently  to 
be  sent  North.  The  "  Alabamian,"  as  he  was  called,  who 
together  with  "  William  "  was  placed  in  my  care,  I  am  grieved 
to  learn  has  "  crossed  the  lines."  He  was  getting  better  I 
was  told,  until  one  night  he  died  suddenly  of  an  ulcer  on  his 
lungs.  William  is  dressed  and  walks  around — is  surely  get- 
ting well,  and  talking  of  going  home.  Has  had  a  letter 
written  to  his  father  and  received  a  reply.  Seems  very 
grateful.  The  German  suffered  no  more  j^ain  from  the  am- 
putation, and  is  hopeful.  The  Norwegian  has  no  gangrene 
in  his  arm  now,  and  it  is  fast  healing. 

I  find  two  or  three  new  cases  of  interest.  One  is  a  middle- 
aged  man  who  is  suffering  greatly  from  ulcers  caused  by 
scurvy.  It  is  thought  that  he  cannot  live  long;  and  he  tells 
me  that  he  isn't  ready  to  die — that  he  has  "  been  a  bad  man, 
that  if  the  Lord  will  only  spare  him  this  time,  he  will  live  a 
different  life."  Another,  a  young  man  with  fair  skin,  red 
cheeks  and  bright  eyes,  the  victim  of  consumption,  was  moaning, 

"  Oulv  to  die  at  home  with  mother !  " 


HOSriTAL     PENCILLINGS.  61 

Thursday,  28. 

Am  expecting  soon  to  go  to  Huntsville,  Alabama,  as  hos 
pital  nurse.     Should  have  gone  four  days  since,  had  not  Gen 
Sherman  closed  the  way  against  everybody  and  everything 
except   soldiers,    rations,    gunpowder   and   pontoon   bridges. 
The  road  has  been  crowded  with  those  for  a  week  jDast.     A 
great  battle  is  expected  to  come  off  very  soon,  some  where  at 
the   front.     The  Government   has  been  pressing   horses  of 
every  description  into  the  service  to-day.     The  streets  have 
been  crowded  with  teams  marked  "United  States  Transfer," 
those  of  "  Q.  M.  D."  and  ammunition  wagons. 

This  evening  600  horses  have  gone  jDast  our  door,  en  route 
for  the  front,  where  they  are  to  act  as  scouts,  I  understand — 
not  the  horses,  though,  I  believe,  but  their  riders. 

General  Sherman,  himself,  left  for  the  front  to-day  noon. 

During  this  time  of  waiting  for  a  pass,  rather  than  remain 
idle,  and  also  for  the  purpose  of  picking  up  some  grains  of 
knowledge  with  regard  to  the  "  capacity "  of  the  colored 
race — which  I  believe  a  wealthy  man  said  he  would  buy  for 
his  daughter  if  she  was'nt  supplied  with  the  article — I  volun- 
teered my  services  yesterday,  as  teacher  in  Mr.  Brown's 
school.  This  is  held  in  the  body  of  the  colored  peoples' 
church,  near  the  Chattanooga  depot ;  Mr.  B.  is  from  Hamil- 
ton, Ohio,  and  is  the  pioneer  h#re,  in  this  work.  There  are 
some  400  pupils  and  five  teachers,  all  in  one  room.  I  sup- 
posed they  were  having  recess  when  I  entered,  but  found  that 
it  was  impossible  to  prevent  them  from  studying  aloud.  It 
seems  it  is  practiced  in  the  shcools  of  white  children  here,  and 
the  great  number  in  this  one  room,  prevented  such  discipline 
as  otherwise  would  have  been  secured. 

Saturday,  30. 

The  aptness  of  the  pupils,  as  a  whole,  is  really  surprising. 
11 


62  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

Some  have  learned  the  alphabet,  I  am  told,  in  three  days,  and 
others  in  a  week. 

It  is  said  that  all  northern  people  who  A'isit  the  school,  very 
soon  fall  a  victim  to  that  fearful  disease,  known  by  the  south- 
ern chivalry  and  northern  copperheads,  as  "  niggar  on  the 
brain."  And  I  will  confess  my  belief  that  were  I  to  teach  in 
this  school  very  long,  I  might  become  so  interested  in  some 
of  my  pujDils  I  should  sometimes  forget  that  they  were  not  of 
the  same  color  as  myself,  and  really  believe  that  God  di<l 
make  of  one  blood  all  nations  of  the  earth. 

They  present  every  shade  of  color  from  the  blackest  hue  to 
a  fairer  skin  than  my  own.  It  is  often  necessary  to  find  out 
who  the  mother  is  before  you  know  whether  the  person  is 
white  or  black.     The  age  varies  from  four  to  thirty. 

The  progress  of  some  is  really  astonishing.  One  little 
black  girl  of  seven  years,  and  with  wooly  head,  can  read  flu- 
ently in  the  Fourth  Reader,  and  studies  primary,  geography, 
and  arithmetic,  who  has  been  to  school  but  one  year.  I  in- 
quired if  any  one  taught  her  at  home,  or  if  she  had  not  learn- 
ed how  to  read  before  that  time.  ''  Oh,  no,  I  learned  my  letters 
when  I  first  came  to  school,  and  I  live  with  my  aunt  Mary, 
and  she  can't  read.  She's  no  kin  to  me,  and  I  havn't  any 
kin,  but  I  call  her  aunt." 

Perhaps  she  never  had  aif)%  or  is  related  to  Topsey,  and  if 
questioned  farther,  might  say  she  "  'spects  she  grew."  A  boy 
of  about  twelve,  who  has  been  to  school  but  nine  months,  and 
who  learned  his  letters  in  that  time,  reads  in  the  Third  Reader 
and  studies  geography.  Some  are  truly  polite.  The  first  day 
of  my  taking  charge  of  one  of  the  divisions,  a  delicate  fea- 
tured, brown-skinned  little  girl  of  about  nine  years  came  to 
me  and  said  with  the  sweetest  voice  and  manner  : — 

"  Lady  will  you  please  tell  me  your  name  ?" 

I  did  so,  when  she  thanked  me  and  said : — 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLING  S.  63 

"  Miss  P can  you  please  hear  our  Third  Reader  this 

ftiorning."  It  was  not  an  idle  question  either,  for  the  school  is 
so  large  that  now,  while  two  of  the  teachers  are  absent,  from 
illness,  some  of  the  classes  are  each  day  necessarily  neglected. 
And  so  eager  are  tlie  generality  of  the  pupils  to  learn,  that 
most  of  them  are  in  two  or  three  reading  and  Sj^elling  classes 
at  the  same  time. 

One  might  now  not  only  exclaim  with  Gallileo,  "  the  world 
does  move,"  but  add,  and  we  move  with  it.  For  though  but  a 
little  time  since  the  negro  dared  not  say  "  I  think,"  lest  the 
master  might  exclaim, — "  You  think,  you  black  niggar — never 
you  mind  about  that,  I'll  do  your  thinking  for  you,"  but  would 
instead,  say  deferentially,  with  bent  head  and  hand  in  his 
wooly  hair,  "  Wall,  massa,  I'se  been  a  studyin'  about  dat 
dar,"  is  now  learning  to  stand  erect  and  confess  that  he  does 
think,  as  well  as  learn  to  read  and  write. 

One  of  the  more  advanced  pupils  told  me  that  her  father 
taught  her  to  read  and  write  before  it  was  safe  to  let  any  one 
know  that  he  did,  or  that  he  could  himself  read. 


EVEXIKG. 

Eureka !  That  wonderful  secret,  like  ''  murder,"  has  "  out." 
I  have  been  very  cautiously,  and  little  by  little,  and  with 
many  charges  not  to  tell  any  body,  informed  of  the  terrible 
crime  for  which  I  was  tried,  convicted,  sentenced  and  banish- 
ed, while  all  the  time  in  blissful  ignorance  of  the  crime  itself. 
This  is  the  way  of  managing  affliirs  here,  I  am  told,  and  it  is 
called  military  style.  I  like  it.  It  saves  one  all  the  trouble 
and  worry  of  defending  one's  self.  And  that  might  make  one 
nervous  and  excited.  It  saves  also  confusion  in  the  mind  of  the 
adjudging  party,  the  same  as  of  a  certain  judge  in  Missouri, 
who  having  heard  evidence  on  the  side  of  the  plaintiff,  refused 


64  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

to  listen  to  that  of  the  defendant,  with  the  profound  remark, 
that  "  whenever  he  heard  both  sides  he  always  got  things  so 
mixed  u]^,  that  he  never  could  tell  upon  which  side  to  give 
judgement ! " 

But  the  grave  charge,  as  ferreted  out  by  some  two  or  three 
friends,  of  whidi  I  am  accused,  and  to  most  of  which  I  should 
have  plead  "  not  guilty  "  had  opportunity  been  given,  runs 
thus, — that  upon  a  certain  occasion,  I  presented  myself  before 
the  surgeon  of  the  division  and  told  him  with  an  authoritative 
air,  that  I  wished  he  "  would  see  that  a  certain  patient  had  a 
mustard  poultice  on  his  chest,  for  he  wanted  it." 

This  is  my  defence.  One  morning,  I  found  a  man  suffering 
greatly  with  a  pain  in  the  chest  from  j^neumonia,  according  to 
the  physician's  diagnosis.  He  was  convalescing  from  vario- 
loid and  had  taken  cold.  He  breathed  very  short,  seemed  in 
extreme  pain  and  begged  for  a  mustard  jDoultice.  J  said  I 
dare  not  apply  it  without  jDcrmission  from  the  surgeon, 
but  w^ould  ask  him  immediately.  He  was  in  another  tent 
—  the  third  above,  and  while  going  there  I  recollected 
hearing  that  some  physicians  w^ere  offended  even  by  a  request, 
and  hesitated.  Then  thinking  of  the  moans  and  apparent 
danger  of  the  sufferer,  I  proceeded.  These  contradictory  emo- 
tions, I  can  now  realize,  gave  an  unusual  brusqueness  to  my 
manner,  as  I  said  : — 

"  Doctor  there  is  a  patient  in  the  third  tent  below,  on  bed. 
No.  9,  who  is  in  great  pain  and  wants  a  mustard  poultice. 
Will  you  see  if  be  needs  it?     If  so,  I  can  make  it." 

There  was  a  tlash  in  his  eyes,  as  he  rej^lied  : — "  /  will  at- 
tend to  the  man.  As  for  the  mustard  poultices,  it  is  not 
necessary  that  you  should  attend  to  them,  as  the  men  nurses 
do  that." 

The  patient  did  not  have  the  poultice,  but  presume  the  phy- 
sician gave  him  something  which  removed  the  pain,  as  it  had 


HOSPITAL     PEXCILLINGS.  65 

left  him  at  noon.  This  trouble  was  caused  simply  by  a  mis- 
understanding. He  used  the  word  want  for  need^  so  that 
when  I  said  the  man  "  wanted "  it — meaning  he  had  asked 
for  it,  he  interpreted  it  so  as  to  convey  the  idea  of  my  assum- 
ing the  responsibility  of  saying,  "  he  needed  "  it.  He  also 
understood  me  to  order  him  to  "  see  "  that  the  man  had  it, 
when  I  simply  asked  if  he  would  "  see  if  he  needed  it." 

I  respect  this  physician  and  his  wife,  but  wish  he  had  been 
certain  of  my  meaning  before  reporting  the  speech  to  the 
surgeon-in-chariie. 

There  is  also  another  little  matter  which  I  am  certain  had 
something  to  do  with  my  departure,  but  which  it  would 
scarcely  be  policy  for  them  to  mention.  It  was  this.  The 
next  day  after  speaking  to  Chaplain  S.  about  visiting  those 
sick  men  who  had  sent  for  him,  and  whom,  though  he  was 
obliged  to  pass  the  tents  v/here  they  lay  in  going  to  his  room, 
he  did  not  visit,  I  sent  a  slip  of  paper,  saying  in  pencil,  that  as 
he  had  probably  forgotten  it,  and  as  they  were  anxious  to  see 
him,  I  would  remind  him  of  this  request.  I  received  no  re- 
sponse to  the  same,  although  I  am  certain  he  received  the 
note,  and  the  day  passed  without  his  visiting  the  sick  men, 
although,  at  noon,  I  saw  him  out  for  half  an  hour,  engaged  in 
pitching  quoits.  I  certainly  did  feel  somewhat  indignant, 
when  the  next  morning  came,  and  I  found  from  the  lips  of 
the  sick  soldiers  that  he  had  not  been  in  the  tent ;  and  I  won- 
dered, when  I  knew  he  had  not  been  in  to  see  a  single  sick  or 
dying  soldier  in  my  division  since  my  stay,  nor  preached  a 
funeral  sermon  for  the  many  who  had  died  in  my  division 
alone,  what  could  occupy  his  time.  I  asked  for  information 
of  two  of  the  ladies,  and  was  told  in  excuse  for  him,  that  his 
time  was  fully  occupied  in  discharging  the  duties  of  clerk  for 
the  surgeon-in-charge.  So  here  was  a  chaplain  neglecting 
the  sacred  duties  of  his  own  profession,  though  amply  paid 
12 


66  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

for  the  same,  and  earning  more  of  the  filthy  lucre,  to  the 
neglect  of  dying  men  ! 

Thus  endeth  the  defence.  Mrs.  Gala  Days,  you  were  en*- 
tirely  correct  in  your  assertion  that  one  must  go  abroad  and 
see  the  world,  to  have  "  personal  experiences." 

Sunday,  May  1. 

This  P.  M.,  Miss  O.  and  myself  accompanied  Rev.  E.  P. 
Smith  to  listen  to  his  "  colored  jDreaching,"  as  he  termed  it,  in 
the  same  church  in  which  is  the  school  for  the  colored 
children.  It  was  a  rare  treat — and  the  first  colored  audience 
I  ever  saw. 

Do  not  imagine  a  squalid,  ragged,  filthy  audience  ;  but  one 
where  silks,  ribbons,  velvet,  broadcloth,  spotless  linen  and 
beavers  predominated,  with  a  sprinkling  of  beautifully  carved 
or  silver,  and  gold-headed  canes,  with  about  the  usual  propor- 
tion of  fops  to  the  canes  that  one  may  find  in  an  audience  of 
equal  size,  of  our  own  color.  Some  of  these  persons  are  free 
and  own  property.  But  one  would  scarcely  covet  some  of 
the  ladies  their  silks  and  velvets,  when  she  learns  that  it  is 
purchased  with  the  avails  of  extra  labor  at  night  after  the 
day's  work  "  for  de  missus  is  done." 

But  so  it  is.  And  although  the  church  was  built  some 
years  ago  with  their  money,  yet  it  was  held  in  trust  by  white 
people  because  "  negroes  cannot  own  property." 

I  have  been  repeatedly  told  that  I  would  turn  pro-slavery 
when  I  came  south  and  saw  how  things  really  were.  I  do 
not  feel  any  of  the  first  symptoms  as  yet,  but  quite  the  con- 
trary. Instead,  I'm  getting  to  believe  that  the  day  when  the 
Emancipation  Document  was  sent  forth,  was  that  of  which  it 
is  said  "  a  nation  shall  be  born  in  a  day,"  and  I'm  learning  to 
think  that  this  gospel,  which  is 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  67 

"  Writ  in  burnished  rows  of  steel," 
and  read  by 

"  Tlie  watch-fires  of  au  hundred  circling  camps/' 

is  the  "word"  which  ''makes  men  free,"  and  will  forever 
strike  the  manacles  from  the  oppressed  bondsman. 

One  indignant  white  man,  during  the  first  prayer  which 
was  made  by  a  negro  preacher,  and  in  which  he  asked  for 
blessing  upon  the  Union  arms  and  freedom  for  slaves,  left  his 
seat  and  walked  the  whole  length  of  the  church,  with  heavy 
tread  and  with  his  hat  on  his  head,  while  a  voice  called  out, — 

"  Take  your  h'at  off!" 

During  the  closing  prayer  the  negro  very  properly  prayed, 
"  Oh  Lord,  wilt  dou  give  de  people  good  manners  and  teach 
'em  right  behaviour  wen  dey  come  into  de  house  obde  Lord!" 

The  sermon  was  the  Bible-story  of  the  death  of  James  and 
the  release  of  Peter  from  prison.  It  v/as  told  in  a  simple, 
earnest,  impressive  manner,  to  a  deeply  attentive,  impressible 
audience.  AY  hen  he  drew  the  picture  of  the  angel  entering 
the  prison,  and  taking  Peter  away  as  easily  as  though  "  his 
chains  were  made  of  wax  and  a  lighted  candle  was  held  be- 
neath them,  while  the  four  quarternians — sixteen — soldiers 
were  powerless  to  act,"  one  old  man  laughed  outright,  a 
joyous,  grateful  laugh,  others  made  their  peculiar  grunting 
noise  which  no  combination  of  sounds  will  give  exactly, 
while  others  shook  hands  and  cried  "  Glory  to  God."  During 
the  singing  some  women  had  the  "  power "  so  that  they 
passed  round,  embraced  and  shook  hands. 

Some  joined  the  church,  and  the  negro  preacher  told  them 
he  "  hoped  that  wouldn't  be  the  last  of  it,  and  that  they'd  be 
faithful  and  come  to  church  ; "  but  that  some  joined  whom  he 
"  never  could  get  a  chance  to  set  eyes  on  again,  so  that  when 
they  died  he  never  could  tell  which  place  they'd  gone 
to!" 


68  HOSPITAL     PENCILLTNGS. 

I  have  forgotten  to  note  in  its  proper  place,  tliat  upon 
entering  the  church  Miss  O.  and  myself  took  seats  in  the  only 
unoccupied  pew  in  the  body  of  the  church.  But  Rev.  Mr.  S. 
beckoned  us  forward  to  a  side  seat  by  the  pulpit.  We  took 
our  seats  there,  but  soon  a  neat,  elderly  negress  came  forward 
and  said  with  a  coaxing  smile  and  voice,  "  Young  ladies  go 
up  in  de  altar  an'  set — you  doesn't  want  to  set  down  here  wid 
dese  yere  colored  folks."  We  preferred  remaining,  and  she 
urged  the  matter  in  vain.  Soon  an  elderly  mulatto  man, 
probably  a  prominent  member  in  the  church,  whose  portly 
form  was  assisted  in  its  waddles  by  a  gold-headed  cane,  came 
forward  and  made  the  same  request.  But  not  being  accus- 
tomed to  the  highest  seat  in  the  synagogue  on  account  of 
our  possessing  a  lighter  color,  we  declined  doing  so  until 
all  the  seats  were  fdled  and  some  must  stand,  when  we  did  go  ; 
but  upon  others  coming  in  they  also  were  induced  to  take  a 
seat  in  the  altar. 

During  the  sermon  Mr.  S.  related  an  interesting  personal 
experience.  He  said  that  a  year  ago  last  July  he  was  in 
front  of  Vicksburg,  in  that  dreadful  fever  region — the  Yazoo 
bluffs.  He  felt  the  fever  coming  upon  him — he  knew  some- 
thing of  its  workings — he  was  two  thousand  miles  from  any- 
body he  knew.  He  said  he  "  had  been  talking  to  the  boys, 
to  the  sick  ones  in  the  hospital,  telling  them  that  it  didn't 
matter  where  they  died  if  they  only  had  Jesus  with  them,  and 
he  found  that  on  his  back,  and  on  his  blanket,  had  come  the 
time  to  take  some  of  his  own  medicine."  He  said  he  "  tried 
to  do  so,  but  found  it  rather  hard  to  take.  He  tried  to  think 
that  it  was  just  as  well  to  be  sick  there  and  to  die  and  be 
buried  on  the  Yazoo  bluffs,  and  never  see  his  family  again  ; 
but  somehow  he  couldn't  get  in  that  frame  of  mind,  but  kept 
thinking  he  would  much  rather  be  at  home.  One  morning, 
after  he  had  burned  and  tossed   with  fever  all  night,   Aunt 


JIOSPITAL     PENCILLING  S.  69 

Nancy  came  aKcl  drew  back  the   fo](l^^  of  the   tent  and  said: 

"  '  Massa,  how  are  you  this  moraing — have  you  found  the 
bright  side  ?  ' 

'• '  Well  no.  Aunt  Nancy,  I  haven't  found  anj^  bright  side.' 

" '  Well,  INIassa,  I'se  sorry  you  can't,  for  Aunt  Nancy  never 
get  in  such  trouble  but  she  can  find  the  bright  side.' 

"  '  Well,  Nancy,'  I  said,  '  I  guess  you've  never  had  any  very 
great  trouble — guess  you  don't  know  what  it  is.' 

"'Well,'  said  she  with  a  sigh,  'may  be  I  don't  know  what 
trouble  is,  but  my  old  man  was  sold  away  from  me  down  in 
old  Virginny  and  I  never  see  him  anymore,  and  then  my  son, 
the  staff  of  my  old  age,  was  sold  way  down  in  de  rice  fields, 
an'  I  never  see  him  any  more.  No — maybe  I  don't  know 
what  trouble  is,  but  after  that  my  last  little  boy  an'  girl  was 
sold  away  from  me,  an'  I  never  see  them  any  more — an'  now 
I'm  getting  so  old  I'll  never  go  back  to  ole  Yirginny  any 
more ! ' 

'• '  Well,  Aunt  Nancy,  that  is  trouble ;  but  tell  me  how  you 
managed  to  find  the  bright  side.' 

" '  Well,  Massa,'  she  said,  '  when  I  see  the  storm  coming, 
and  the  clouds  are  thick  and  get  black  and  blacker,  then  I 
just  go  ''round  the  other  side  of  the  cloud  where  Jesus  is  /' 

" '  Then  I  turned  over  in  my  bed,  with  my  face  to  the  back 
of  the  tent,  and  said  ; 

"  '  Come  now  fever,  death  and  burial  upon  the  Yazoo  bluffs, 
if  God  v.ills,  I  am  ready  ! ' " 


70  HOSPITAL     PENCILT.INGS. 


CHAPTER     VI. 

Tuesday,  May  3. 

Spring  has  long  delayed  her  coming  here  as  well  as  north- 
ward. I  could  not  he  comfortable  this  P.  M.  in  my  room 
without  a  fire.  Still,  despite  the  cold,  I  have  seen  the  blos- 
som of  a  species  of  magnolia,  which  is  very  beautiful.  It  is 
in  shape  and  size  something  like  the  African  lily,  and  grew 
upon  a  tree  the  size  of  the  common  apple.  It  is  of  a  peach- 
blow  hue  upon  the  outside  and  white  within,  and  with  the 
mingled  fragrance  of  the  roses  and  lemon. 

Aunt  Nanny,  the  former  housekeeper  of  the  rebel  banker 
who  owned  this  residence,  has  just  been  giving  me  a  highly 
interesting  account  of  the  scenes  here  when  it  became  known 
that  our  forces  were  coming  towards  Nashville.  It  was  on 
Sunday  morning  the  news  reached  the  white  citizens,  when 
they  were  on  their  way  to  church.  And  the  streets  were 
soon  filled  with  half-crazed  people  flying  here  and  there, 
women  and  children  and  even  men  running  out  of  breath, 
and  screaming,  "The  Yankees  are  coming,"  Mdiile  the  less 
excited  ones  were  securing  evjer}^  possible  conveyance  to  use 
for  flight. 

"  We  colored  folks,"  said  Aunt  Nanny,  "  knew  it  in  the  night, 
and  all  de  mornin'  while  de  white  ones  was  so  quiet  a  piitiii' 
on  dere  finery  for  church,  we  knew  it  wouldn't  last  long.  An' 
we  was  all  so  full  wid  de  great  joy,  dat  we'se  a  sayin'  in  our 
hearts  all  de  time  ''  Bless  de  Lord,'''  "  Thank  de  good  God,'' 
for  de  "  day  of  jubilee  has  come  !  " 

"But  w^e  was  mighty  hush,  an'  put  on  just  as  long  faces  as 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  71 

we  could,  ail'  was  might'  'si^rized  when  they  told  us  of  it.  -An* 
missus  she  come  runniii'  back  from  the  street  wid'  her  bonnet 
on  her  neck,  an'  the  strings  a  flyin',  an'  she  come  to  the  kitch- 
en and  put  up  both  arms,  an'  she  said : — 

"  '  Oh,  Aunt  Nanny,  we'll  all  be  killed !  The  Yankees  are 
coming  !  They'll  hang  or  cut  the  throat  of  every  niggar 
that's  left  here  ! ' 

"  An'  after  that  she  tried  to  have  me  go  south  with  her,  but 
I  told  her  I'd  risk  the  Yankees  a  killin'  us,  an'  I  wouldn't 
go." 

Aunt  Nanny  is  respected  by  all  who  know  her.  She  is 
neat,  industrious,  well-informed,  although  she  cannot  read,  re- 
spectful, polite,  affectionate,  virtuous,  and  a  Christian.  Her 
husband  is  here,  and  she  has  one  little  daughter  who  is  in  my 
division  at  school. 

She  tells  me  also  that  only  last  Sunday  she  saw  the  body 
of  a  dead  negro  boy  of  about  nine  years  who  died  from  blows 
received  from  his  mistress.  The  cause  was  her  anger  that  his 
mother  had  run  away  in  search  of  freedom.  But  the  mother 
heard  of  the  illness  of  her  child  and  returned  in  time  to  hear 
him  say  that  "  the  whipping  his  mistress  had  given  him  had 
killed  him,"  and  to  find  upon  his  back  the  terrible  gashes 
from  the  whip,  and  bruises  from  blow\s. 

I  wdsh  I  had  known  of  this  before  the  child  was  buried. 
Having  the  name  of  speaking  my  mind,  it  might  be  as  well  to 
do  so,  occasionally. 

Have  just  listened  to  a  little  incident  which  occurred  some 
months  since.  While  Grant  had  charge  of  this  department. 
General  Rousseau  in  his  absence,  issued  an  order  to  the  effect 
that  slaveholders,  who  had  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance,  might 
dispose  of  their  slaves.  One  man  from  the  country,  accord- 
ingly drove  in  several  slave  Avomeii  tied  hand  to  hand.  But 
Grant  had  suddenlv  returned  and  countermanded  the  permit, 


72  HOSPITAL     PI':NCILLINGS. 

and  he  could  not  dispose  of  them.  He  got  into  his  carriage 
and  ordered  his  negro  women  to  march  home.  They  refused 
to  obey.  This  was  unprecedented  insolence.  He  caught  his 
horse-whip  and  was  about  laying  it  over  their  shoulders  when 
the  "  blue  coats  "  appeared  as  suddenly  and  as  thick  around 
him  as  if  like  fairies  they  had  popped  out  of  the  ground. 

"  No  whipping  here  !  No  whipping  here  !  "  they  exclaim- 
ed, and  the  result  was,  he  was  forced  to  return  alone,  and 
they  were  slaves  no  longer. 

Wednesday,  May  4. 

A  death  in  the  house.  Little  Clark,  the  only  son  of  Rev. 
E.  P.  Smith,  aged  three  and  a  half.years,  died  last  night.  It 
is  a  sad  affliction.  The  disease,  decline  from  measles.  The 
funeral  service  was  held  in  the  parlor,  this  P.  M.,  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Allen.  His  body  was  embalmed  and  is  to  be  sent  to  the 
Sabbath  School  of  the  parish,  over  which  Mr.  S.  jDresided,  at 
Pepperill,  Massachusetts. 

To  me  it  seems  strangely  touching — this  trusting  of  the 
precious  remains  to  the  chances  of  travel,  and  so  many  miles 
away,  to  land  in  the  throng  of  sad  little  faces  to  whose  ques- 
tioning glances  he  can  -perchance  respond 

"  From  the  land  o'  the  leal." 

He  was  laid  out  in  a  child's  military  suit  of  light  blue,  with 
star-flowers,  snow-drops,  rose-buds,  and  leaves  of  the  rose 
geranium.  It  was  a  sweetly  sacred  bequest  to  the  Sabbath 
School. 

Saturday,  7. 

Have  been  to  Hospital,  No.  1,  at  the  request  of  a  motlier 
whose  young  son  had  died  there.  She  is  in  great  anxiety  to 
learn  something  of  his  last  words,  and  whetlier  he  died  a 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLING8.  73 

Christian.  I  have  just  written  her  the  facts,  that  there  was 
no  outward  evidence  of  the  same,  but  that  she  must  trust  the 
Good  Father  that  it  was  "  well  with  him." 

All  the  patients  whom  I  have  mentioned  in  my  journal, 
are  better.  Even  the  one  with  ulcers  is  improving.  As  for 
William  he  has  applied  for  a  furlough,  and  expects  soon  to  go 
home. 

Day  before  yesterday  a  girl  came  to  school  who  had  just 
the  look  and  complexion  of  a  snufF-dipping  refugee.  She, 
also,  like  them,  wore  a  dress  of  the  same  color,  derived  from 
some  kind  of  bark.  Her  manner  was  as  listless  and  her  ex- 
pression as  vacant.  Wishing  much  to  know  whether  she 
could  claim  our  superior  race  as  her  own,  or  whether  a  few 
drops  of  the  black  blood  in  her  veins  had  procured  perhaps 
from  her  father  and  master  the  fiat — "  only  a  niggar !  "  I 
made  known  my  curiosity  to  one  of  the  teachers,  with  my 
perplexity  as  to  how  I  should  obtain  the  coveted  information, 
without  wounding  her  feelings. 

"  Oh  !  you  need  not  fear  that,"  was  the  reply,  "  they're  used 
to  it,  and  expect  to  be  asked  whether  they're  niggars  or  not." 

I  could  not  do  it,  however,  without  considerable  circumlo- 
cution ;  and  commenced  by  asking  if  she  could  buy  herself  a 
book,  whom  she  lived  with,  &c.  After  some  time  the  ques- 
tions eliminated  the  fact  that  though  she  didn't  know  whether 
she  was  free,  or  a  "  refugee,"  her  own  second  name,  or  the 
age, — she  did  know  that  she  had  lived  most  of  her  life  in 
Texas,  where  she  had  always  worked  out  of  doors,  had  hoed 
corn,  and  ploughed — that  she  lived  with  the  same  people 
now — that  her  father  she  had  never  heard  anything  of — that 
her  mother  was  black,  "  though  not  real  black,"  and  finally 
that  she  herself  was  a  "  niggar," — which  nobody  else  could 
have  told  by  her  features  or  complexion. 

A  lady  who  stopped  over  night,  on  her  way  home  from 
13 


74  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

Bridgeport,  where  she  has  been  stationed  with  her  husband  in 
charge  of  sanitary  stores,  relates  the  following : 

She  said  that  sitting  a  few  days  since  in  the  rooms  where 
were  the  stores  of  the  Christian  Commission,  she  saw  a  wo- 
man, when  half  a  mile  distant,  who  had  a  long  stick  in  her 
hand.  She  supposed  that  being  weary  perhaps,  with  a  long 
walk,  she  had  picked  it  up  to  serve  the  office  of  a  cane.  But 
after  entering,  and  engaging  for  some  time  in  jovial  conversa- 
tion and  laughter  with  some  neighbors,  she  found  there,  she 
made  known  her  errand.  She  w^anted  to  beg  a  shirt,  pair  of 
stockings  and  a  coffin  for  her  husband,  and  the  stick  was  the 
measure  of  his  body.  ]\Iy  informant  asked  the  age  of  the  de- 
ceased husband,  and  she  replied  : 

"  Well,  now,  I  never  rightly  axed  him  how  old  he  was.  but 
I  reckon  he  mought  be  nigh  on  to  thirty  or  forty  I " 

Tuesday,  May  10. 

My  friend  Miss  0.  is  quite  ill.  We  fear  it  may  prove  ty- 
phoid fever.  Shall  not  enter  the  school  again  until  she  is 
better. 

Last  evening,  had  just  seated  myself  to  write  to  Mrs. 
Bickerdyke  who  had  promised  me  a  situation  in  Huntsville, 
Alabama,  when  she  and  Mrs.  Jeremiah  Porter,  of  Chicago, 
arrived  on  train  from  that  place,  bound  for  the  front  of  Sher- 
man's army,  if  they  can  procure  passes. 

To-day  at  dinner  table,  heard  Rev.  Dr.  Thompson,  of  New 
York  city,  say  that  he  saw  8,000  men  march  through  the 
streets  of  Paris,  at  that  farce  entitled  the  election  of  Napole- 
on. I  expressed  my  idea  of  the  grand  sight  to  Mrs.  B.  when 
she  said  that  was  not  equal  to  what  may  be  seen  now.  That 
there  are  "  twice  that  number  marching  to  the  front  now." 

"  Is  there  ?  "  was  the  surprised  inquiry. 

"  Yes,"  she  replied,  "  why  don't  you  read  the  papers  ?     You 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  75 

ignorant  women  in  the  army  do  ask  such  foolish  questions  ! " 
This  is  her  style  of  speech,  but  she  is  a  perfect  hero  in  the 
army,  among  sick  soldiers. 

It  seems  that  not  long  since  she  solicited  and  obtained  con- 
tributions of  fruit  and  vegetables  for  the  soldiers  who  are 
suffering  with  scrofulous  diseases  for  want  of  them.  Some 
have  arrived  at  this  place,  which  she  had  ordered  to  be  sent  to 
Huutsville.  She  had  left  word  while  here  some  time  since, 
with  Colonel,  or  Captain  Somebody,  whose  duty  it  was  to  at- 
tend to  the  matter,  to  forward  them  immediately  upon  their  ar- 
rival. She  also  wrote  the  same  from  Huntsville,  and  still  the 
fruits  and  vegetables  came  not,  although  she  had  learned  of 
their  arrival  at  this  city,  while  the  sick  men  in  the  hospital 
were  suffering  for  the  want  of  the  vegetables,  which  were 
wasting  from  decay.  This  morning,  she  sallied  out  to  ferret 
out  the  matter.  In  an  hour  or  two  she  came  capering  into 
our  room,  where  Mrs.  P.  was  writing,  and  swinging  her  bon- 
net by  the  string,  exclaimed  : 

"  There,  I've  done  it !  I've  said  it !  I've  had  it  all  my 
own  way,  for  you  wasn't  there — addressing  Mrs.  P.  — ,  to 
nudge  my  elbow  and  whisper  '  be  careful  now,  don't  say  too 
much,'  or  to  tell  the  one  I'm  talking  to  '  Oh,  she  don't  mean 
that.'  Why  what  do  you  think  I  found  ?"  she  continued.  I 
found  those  cars  of  vegetables  moved  on  to  a  side  track  to 
spoil  for  days,  while  some  of  these  officers  have  been  sending 
on  i\\Q\Y  Jine  furniture  to  Jceep  house  with,  down  to  Huntsville. 
And  after  finding  this  out,  I  went  to  the  office  of  this  fine 
gentleman  in  shoulder-straps,  and  told  him  to  send  on  those 
things  in  double  quick-time,  or  I'd  have  his  official  head  taken 
off.  And  I  asked  him  if  it  needed  a  Miss  Nancy  to  come 
and  tell  Miss  Betty  what  her  duty  was,  before  she  could  do 
it." 


76  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

Fkidat,  13. 

Miss  O.  since  last  date,  has  been  daily  growing  worse.  It 
seems  she  must  have  typhoid  fever,  and  for  one  of  her  deli- 
cate health  and  sensitive  nerves,  we  fear  the  worst.  Her 
mind  is  at  times  wandering,  and  she  dwells  upon  the  scenes  of 
filth  and  wretchedness  she  has  seen  among  the  refugees.  At 
the  commencement  of  her  illness  she  was  playfully  told  that 
she  had  "  refugee  on  the  brain."  But  it  has  since  become 
too  serious  a  matter  to  jest  about,  for  she  is  sometimes  certain 
they  are  in  the  bed  with  her ;  and  this  morning  she  told  me 
of  that  "  filthy  refugee  phlegm  she  spits  up."  She  is  a  favor- 
ite in  the  house,  and  has  every  needed  comfort  and  attention. 
I  shall  not  leave  for  a  hospital  during  her  illness. 

It  was  this  subject  which  won  from  Mrs.  P.  the  following  : 
"  A  soldier  at  Fort  Donaldson  was  wounded  in  the  head,  and 
was  taken  care  of  by  Mrs.  B.  He  was  at  times  deranged, 
but  got  better  and  went  to  his  home  in  Michigan.  Afterward 
he  became  so  bad  as  to  require  constant  watching,  and  it  was 
decided  to  take  him  to  the  insane  asylum  at  Jackson.  While 
on  his  way  there,  in  the  care  of  his  brother,  who  was  worn 
out  with  wakefulness,  Mrs.  B.  entered  the  car.  The  insane 
man  knew  his  old  nurse,  and  she  said  the  saying  flashed 
through  her  mind  that  we  should  treat  a  crazy  man  as  though 
everybody  was  crazy  but  himself.     So  she  said  to  him : — 

"Why  you're  taking  your  brother  to  Jackson,  aren't  you?" 

"  Yes,"  he  promptly  responded. 

''  How  long  has  he  been  crazy  ?  "  she  asked. 

"  Oh  !  he  has  always  been  crazy,"  he  replied  with  em- 
phasis. 

So  she  told  him  she  would  help  him  watch  his  brother,  and 
taking  his  arm  walked  back  and  forth  in  the  car  with  him, 
and  let  the  well  man  lie  down  and  sleep.  They  had  had  much 
trouble  with  him,  but  he  caused  none   the  rest  of  the  way. 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  77 

She  accompanied  him  to  Jackson  and  has  since  heard  that  he 
is  rapidly  recovering. 

Saturday,  14. 

Mr.  v.,  an  acquaintance  from  Michigan,  called  on  Wednes- 
day. He  is  a  secret  messenger  or  spy  for  the  Government. 
He  wears  the  citizen's  dress  and  a  seven-shooter  beneath  the 
skirts  of  his  coat,  and  has  papers  to  show  that  he  has  a  permit 
to  wear  the  arms.  His  headquarters  are  here,  and  he  goes 
on  missions  to  and  from  the  front.  He  says  that  on  coming 
on  the  train  from  Chattanoooga  last  Monday  the  train  was 
fired  into.  He  saw  one  man  in  the  act  of  firing  and  he  re- 
turned the  fire,  and  by  the  way  he  tumbled  back  into  the 
bushes  he  had  reason  to  think  his  own  shot  took  effect. 

He  says  the  young  lady  at  his  boarding-house  on  Cedar 
Street,  exhibited  a  pistol  that  morning,  and  said  it  was  "  in- 
tended to  shoot  a  Yankee  with  ;  and  that  most  ladies  of 
Nashville  carried  one  for  the  same  purpose." 

He  told  her  in  return  that  they  might  threaten,  but  that 
they  seemed  perfectly  willing  to  accept  a  Yankee  for  a  hus- 
band. It  seems  she  has  herself  refused  a  wealthy  citizen  for 
a  Yankee  sutler. 

Have  found  this  eve  that  a  Prof.  P.,  a  graduate  of  Yale,  is 
about  as  nearly  related  to  myself  as  the  thirteenth  cousin ; 
and  that  he  as  well  as  myself  can  trace  a  relationship  back  to 
the  "  Mayflower."  I  think  we  each  took  a  mutual  dislike  to  the 
other  from  the  first,  and  have  been  as  coolly  polite  as  possible  ; 
but  this  chance  discovery  will  probably  lead  each  to  look  with 
much  leniency  upon  the  faults  of  the  other. 

He  tells  me  that  with  another  of  the  delegates  he  has  this 

P.  M.  been  "  the  distinguished  guest "  of  the  10th  Tennessee 

Battery,    which  is    stationed  at  the  Capitol,    and  very  near 

Governor  Andy  Johnson.     That  they  were  "  sumptuously  re- 

14 


78  HOSPITAL    PENCILLING3. 

galed  with  hard  tack  and  molasses,  and  coffee  with  sugar  in  it!  " 

Sunday  Eve,  May  15. 

Miss  O.  is  very  much  worse.  I  did  not  sleep  any  last 
night,  and  about  three  sent  for  Dr.  F.  She  is  suffering 
greatly,  and  it  is  the  opinion  that  before  many  days  nature 
may  give  up  the  contest.  I  cannot  realize  it,  but  fear  I  am 
to  lose  this  dear  friend.  Having  had  the  exclusive  care  of 
her  and  feeling  quite  worn,  two  ladies  volunteered  to  take  my 
place  to-day  and  eve.  Sought  sleep  this  forenoon  but  anxiety 
prevented  but  little.  This  P.  M.  "  Charley,"  as  everybody 
calls  him,  kindly  prescribed  fresh  air  and  carriage  exercise, 
and  we  rode  out  about  two  miles  to  hear  a  delegate  preach  to 
what  is  called  "  Anderson's  corps." 

It  seems  they  enlisted  with  a  promise  that  they  should 
constitute  General  Anderson's  body  corps  but  afterward  were 
forced  into  the  common  field  service.  They  were  mostly 
graduates  and  professional  men,  and  some  have  mutinied. 
"Wonder  whose  fault  this  was — this  wrong  done  them  ?  I 
should  be  angry  with  them,  even,  should  tli^y  tell  me  it  was  the 
fault  of  the  Government.  The  truth  is  that  Red  Tape, 
which  in  its  rightful  province  forms  the  firm  ligatures  which 
keep  in  their  proper  places  the  different  portions  of  the  social 
and  military  systems,  is  sometimes  distorted  from  its  original 
use,  and  made  to  subserve  the  interest  of  petty  underlings 
and  unprincipled  officials.  It  is  these  who  tell  us  that  all 
sin  and  high-handed  wickedness  which  is  wrought  in  high 
places,  must  be  "  winked  at." 

"  Red  Tape  is  all  right,"  said  a  poor  boy  in  Hospital  No.  8, 
"  if  the  commissioned  officers  did  their  duty,  and  had  to  come 
under  it  the  same  as  the  privates.  'Tis  the  abuse  of  it  which 
makes  the  trouble." 

This  poor  boy  had  lain  for  seven  long  months  in  the  hospi- 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLTNGS.  79 

tal,  while  begging  to  go  home,  after  his  limb  had  been,  as  all 
the  surgeons  declared,  permanently  bent  nearly  at  right  angles 
with  his  body. 

"  Anderson's  corps  "  is  a  fine  and  intellectual  looking  set  of 
soldiers. 

We  also  visited  the  15th  Colored  Regiment  and  saw  them 

on    dress    parade.     Lieut.    Col.  accompanied    me,  and 

explained  the  changes  and  evolutions.  He  says  that  no  reg- 
iment of  our  own  color  could  so  perfectly  learn  the  evolutions, 
or  a  band  learn  to  perform  so  well  in  so  short  a  time. 

Thursday  Eve,  19. 

My  friend  is  somewhat  better,  but  is  very  restless,  and 
sleeps  but  little.  She  has  been  moved  to  a  large,  pleasant 
room  in  the  third  story  where  the  air  is  purer,  but  the  two 
large  windows  which  open  upon  the  front  street  and  which 
must  be  open  all  the  time  to  furnish  air  for  the  invalid,  admit 
the  continual  tramp,  tramp,  tramp  of  the  soldiers  or  horses, 
and  the  rumble  of  wheels  through  the  long  day  and  night. 
Her  physician  and  friends  think  the  only  chance  for  her  life 
is  to  obtain  the  pure  air  of  the  North  and  the  quiet  of  home. 
It  is  in  contemplation  to  send  her  as  soon  as  it  is  considered 
safe  for  her  to  undertake  the  journey  by  water. 

Have  just  returned  from  the  Capitol,  where  I  enjoyed  the 
novelty  of  listening  to  the  lecture  in  the  Hall  of  Representa- 
tives, and  by  moonlight,  which  is  described  without  date  in 
Chapter  Third.  Rev.  Drs.  Thompson,  of  New  York  City, 
and  Buddington,  of  Brooklyn,  have  just  returned  from  the 
front  to-day,  and  were  witnesses  of  the  battle  near  Dalton  and 
Resaca. 

Found  a  telegram  from  the  brother  of  my  patient  upon  my 
return.     My  last  letter  will  reach  him  in  reply. 


80  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 


CHAPTER     VII. 

On  board  the  "  Victory," 
Cumberland  Eiver,  May  25. 

So  I  am  en  route  for  Western  Illinois  with  my  sick  friend. 
She  was  dressed  for  the  first  time  since  her  ilhiess  to  ride  in  a 
hack  to  the  boat.  Did  not  know  of  om*  going  till  about  two 
hours  previous.  The  hurry  of  preparation,  and  departure 
from  friends,  was  trying  to  the  invalid,  and  stimulants  only 
kept  her  up  to  reach  the  boat.  An  excellent  state-room  had 
been  procured  and  she  was  placed  in  the  berth.  We  came 
on  the  boat  last  eve  about  five,  the  boat  started  about  six  and 
we  are  now  steaminoj  down  the  Cumberland.  This  is  an 
excellent  boat,  there  are  scarcely  any  passengers,  and  every- 
thing for  our  comfort  has  been  freely  proffered,  which,  to- 
gether with  the  gift  of  free  transportation,  evinces  their 
sympathy  with  the  Christian  Commission  and  the  cause  of 
suffering  humanity  in  general.  Every  one  on  the  boat,  from 
the  colored  servants  and  chambermaid  to  the  captain,  seem 
anxious  to  show  every  needed  attention. 

The  invalid  passed  a  miserable  night  without  sleep,  until 
after  daylight,  and  is  worse  this  morning.  This  writing  is 
the  product  of  seconds  of  leisure,  between  times  of  caring  for 
her.  She  is  full  of  sympathy  for  the  sick  soldiers,  and  the 
disappointment  of  having  contributed  so  little  for  them,  in  her 
short  stay,  contributes  not  a  little  to  her  anxiety.  She  is  one 
of  those,  who,  if  her  physical  strength  kept  pace  with  her 
ambition,  would  contribute  largely  to  some  labor  of  love 
peculiar  to  the  philanthropist.     As  it  is,  she  is  one  of  our 


HOSPITAL    PE^'CILLINGS.  81 

silent  coral  workers,  and  though  her  stay  in  the  South  has 
been  short,  yet  there  are  those  with  whom  her  influence  will 
go  through  life  for  good. 

Evening. 

We  passed  Clarksville,  Tenn.,  about  nine  this  morning. 
Saw  there  the  wreck  of  a  boat  which  ran  against  the  stone 
pillars  one  night,  about  two  months  since,  causing  the  death, 
by  drowning,  of  about  forty  Union  soldiers.  C.  is  a  beautiful 
place,     A  fort  guards  the  river  entrance. 

Later,  passed  fort  Donaldson.  Was  surprised  to  find  this 
a  mere  earthwork  fortification,  instead  of  some  massive  and 
strong  stone  or  brick  structure.  It  is  four  or  five  miles  in 
extent,  and  on  a  high  eminence  overlooking  the  river.  Our 
people  now  fear  nothing  from  the  river,  but  give  more  thought 
to  the  land  approaches ;  with  the  enemy  it  was  the  reverse, 
and  was  the  cause  of  our  forces  landing  below  the  bend  of  the 
river,  out  of  reach  of  the  guns,  and  passing  round  and  attack- 
ing them  on  the  other  side.  The  green-wooded  hillsides  were 
pointed  out  to  me,  on  which  are  buried  thousands  of  martyr 
soldiers,  martyrs  to  the  cause  of  our  country,  or  that  of 
ambition,  or  to  false  ideas  of  duty,  but  martyrs  all  the  same. 

An  old  lady  of  seventy,  with  crutches,  came  on  board  at 
Clarksville,  who  is  going  to  Paduca,  near  which  six  of  her 
children  reside.  She  has  lived  near  Clarksville,  ever  since 
quite  a  little  girl,  and  has  never  moved  over  a  mile  in  the 
time,  till  since  the  war  has  commenced,  but  thinks  "  its  terri- 
ble moving  times  now."     She  thinks  : — 

"This  was  to  be  so,  for  Scriptur  foretelled  it,  and  she 
T)leves  whichever  is  in  the  right  will  conquer." 

I  inquired  to  what  passage  of  Scripture  she  referred. 
"  'Twas  that  passage  what  tellcd  'bout  '  wars  and  rumors  o' 
wars.' " 


82  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

In  the  course  of  conversation,  while  answering  her  queries 
as  to  our  destination,  she  informed  us  that  she  "  did  have  a 
son  an'  a  right  smart  lot  of  other  folks,  up  in  Illinois."  In  re- 
ply to  the  question  of  what  part  of  the  State  they  were  in,  she 
wasn't  "  sure  now,  'bout  that  thar,  but  reckoned  they  might 
not  be  very  far  from  Vandalia,  or  used  to  be,  but  now  they'd 
mighty  nigh  all  on  'em  died  up  !  " 

Thursdat,  22. 

My  patient  slept  well  last  night,  and  is  better  to-day.  She 
told  me  this  morning  that  she  did  not  tell  me  how  ill  she  was 
yesterday,  but  that  she  knew  unless  there  was  a  change,  she 
should  never  see  home,  and  thought  it  would  be  so  bad  if  she 
should  die  before  getting  there.  I  knew  her  danger  yester- 
day, and  know  it  still,  but  did  not  know  that  she  realized  it 
until  she  told  me  this.  I  scarcely  fear  death  for  her  w^hile  on 
the  route,  as  the  excitement  and  stimulants  will  keep  her  up, 
but  I  fear  she  will  have  but  a  short  time  to  stay  at  her  earthly 
home  before  she  goes  to  one  better  and  more  enduring,  where 
is  "  rest  for  the  weary." 

EVEXIXG. 

Passed  Cairo .  to-day  ;  and  saw  Fort  Prentice.  This  also 
is  merely  an  earthwork,  or  fortification,  with  one  ugly  looking 
iron  gun  mounted  and  looking  toward  the  widening  of  the 
river,  like  an  open-mouthed  watch-dog,  ready  to  bay  at  in- 
truders. There,  the  now  swollen  and  muddy  waters  of  the 
Ohio  mingled  with  those  of  the  Father  of  Waters,  whose 
sandy  color  formed  a  striking  contrast,  and  the  line  of  meet- 
ing is  plainly  visible.  It  is,  sometimes,  the  reverse  of  this, 
when  the  Mississippi  is  high,  and  the  Ohio  low.  I  there  saw 
Bird's  Point,  and  the  residence  of  the  man  for  whom  it  was 
named,  while  looking  upon  three  States  at  once. 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  83 

Passed  Cape  Geradeau  about  five  o'clock.  As  the  boat 
rounded  to  the  shore,  a  coffin  was  brought  down  to  the  beach 
and  then  on  board. 

"  There,"  said  the  Captain,  "  goes  one  more  soldier  home 
in  a  box." 

But  it  proved  to  be  the  body  of  a  Mrs.  Bradley,  who  was 
droAViied  at  the  launching  of  a  gunboat,  at  Carondelet,  the 
10th  of  last  February.  Other  ladies  were  precipitated  into 
the  water  at  the  time,  but  none  drowned.  Her  body  was 
found  the  10th  of  this  month,  on  a  snag  seven  miles  above 
Cape  Geradeau.  The  body  was  past  recognition,  but  there 
was  a  gold  button  with  initials,  which  had  been  sent  to  her  by 
her  husband,  and  by  which  she  was  recognized.  The  finding 
of  the  body  with  mention  of  the  button  was  made  in  the  St 
Louis  papers,  which  seeing,  he  came  on,  recognized  the  but- 
ton, had  the  body  unburied  and  with  his  little  boy  came  on 
board  with  the  body,  which  he  is  taking  to  his  home  in  Cin- 
cinnati.    He  is  a  gunboat  builder. 

I  saw  two  of  those  queer-looking  Monitors  to-day,  at  Car- 
ondelet. 

Friday  Eve.,  27. 

The  invalid  is  worse  to-day.  She  suffers  very  much  from 
exhaustion,  but  insisted  upon  being  dressed  before  reaching 
St.  Louis,  as  we  expected  to  take  the  packet  for  Quincy  to- 
night. But  we  arrived  at  the  lower  landing  just  as  the  packet 
was  leaving  the  upper. 

I  dispatched  a  note  to  the  agent  of  the  C.  C,  as  directed 
before  leaving  Nashville,  and  soon  was  in  receipt  of  a  note 

from  his  clerk,  which  was  addressed  to  "  E.  J.  P Esq." 

and  commenced  with  "  Mr.  P.,  Dear  Sir."  Another  note  dis- 
claiming the  titles,  and  informing  them  that  two  lone  women 
instead  needed  some  attention,  very  soon  brought  Mr.  Smyth 
on  board  the  boat. 


84  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

On  Board  the  ""Waksatv," 
Mississippi  River,  Saturday,  May  28. 

Everybody  is  very  kind.  Mr.  Smyth  came  on  board  again 
this  morning,  and  assisted  in  carrying  my  patient  in  an  arm 
chair  to  the  carriage  in  waiting,  and  then  accompanied  us  to 
the  upper  dock  and  on  board  the  "  Warsaw,"  where  he  had  pre- 
viously secured  a  pleasant  stateroom. 

Transportation  here  is  also  freely  proffered,  and  the  cap- 
tain gave  the  steward  and  chambermaid  orders  in  my  hearing,, 
to  attend  to  every  call  for  our  comfort.  They  are  all  so  very 
kind,  and  I  am  so  thankful  on  Miss  O's  account. 

Qdinct,  111.,  Sunday  Evening,  29. 

Last  night  we  were  called  up  in  a  hurry  at  twelve  o'clock, 
to  change  boats,  as  one  of  the  engines  of  the  "  Warsaw,"  had 
given  out.  We  exchanged  for  the  "  Northerner,"  a  small 
boat  with  inferior  accommodations,  and  a  slow  sailer.  The 
change  was  trying  to  the  invahd.  The  boat  landed  us  at  this 
city  about  four,  P.  M.  A  note  was  dispatched  to  the  Eev. 
Mr.  King,  Miss  O's  former  pastor.  After  some  delay,  Mrs. 
K.,  with  a  gentleman,  arrived  in  a  carriage,  and  we  were  soon 
at  her  comfortable  home,  and  the  weary  invalid  was  soon 
resting  in  a  soft  bed  in  a  quiet  room.  We  have  just  had  a  re- 
freshing cup  of  tea,  and  Mrs.  S.  sends  me  off  to  my  room, 
where  I  shall  enjoy  the  luxury  of  a  bath  and  a  rest  till  morn- 
ing, while  she  enacts  the  part  of  nurse. 

Monday,  30. 

Took  express  train,  between  four  and  five  this  morning,  and 
reached  the  home  of  Miss  O.  about  seven.  The  conductor 
very  kindly  stopped  the  train  so  that  the  car  in  which  she 
was,  came  just  in  front  of  her  father's  gate.     There  is  no  sta- 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  8o 

tion  here,  but  the  pale,  wasted  features  of  the  sufferer  were 
with  him,  as  others,  a  jDassj^ort  to  favor. 

As  the  cars  halted,  her  aged  parents  came  out  to  receive 
their  daughter  as  she  was  carried  to  the  steps  of  the  car. 
They  supported  her  to  the  house,  and  not  a  word  was  ex- 
changed between  them  and  myself,  except  what  concerned  her 
comfort,  until  after  she  had  been  hastily  undressed  and  placed 
in  bed  and  restoratives  administered.  Then  the  aged  doctor 
came  forward  and  taking  m}^  hand,  said  tremulously : — 

"  And  now  is  this  Miss  P ?  " 

"  Yes,  after  so  long  a  time,"  was  the  reply. 

And  then,  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  he  pressed  a  kiss,  reverently 
it  seemed,  upon  my  lips.  The  mother  then  kissed  me  also 
with  tremulous  tenderness.  I  wondered  what  induced  them 
to  welcome  me  in  'such  a  manner.  I  suppose  they  think  I've 
been  kind  to  their  daughter,  but  if  so,  a  good  share  of  it  sprang 
from  selfishness,  for  I  want  her  to  live  for  my  society. 

Monday,  June  6. 

A  week  full  of  anxiety  has  passed  on  leaden  wings.  Have 
been  ill  myself,  and  necessitated  to  keep  my  bed  much  of  the 
time,  from  the  care,  anxiety  and  wakefulness  of  the  past  three 
weeks.  But  that  was  a  little  matter,  for  I  needed  only  rest 
to  recover  ;  while  for  the  invalid,  we  feared  there  was  no  balm 
in  Gilead. 

It  was  the  second  day  after  her  arrival,  that  she  came  very 
near  leaving  this  for  the  better  land.  She  says  she  was  so 
near,  that  she  had  blessed  glimpses  of  that  calm,  serene,  holy 
place.  vShe  cannot  describe  it.  No  beautiful  "  evergreen 
mountains  of  life,"  with  their  tops  hid  in  the  blue  heavens,  no 
gorgeous  city  with  its  spires  and  steeples  pointing  heaven- 
ward, no  birds  on  rainbow  pinions,  or  beautiful  blessed  isles 
of  Beulah,  sleeping  on  the  broad  waters  in  the  hazy  golden 
15 


86  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

distance,  with  mansions  upon  each,  as  though  prepared  for  the 
souls  of  the  blessed,  which  I  have  vainly  pictured  to  her 
mind's  vision,  can  be  any  comparison  to  that  indescribable 
place,  which  gave  such  a  feeling  of  ^^ holy  calm  and  rest' 
Only  a  broad  ex^Danse  of  water  stretching  away  beneath  the 
azure  of  serene  heavens,  is  the  faintest  emblem.  She  "  saw 
the  angels,  just  as  plainly  as  she  has  ever  seen  me,"  who  with 
their  balmy  wings,  were 

"  Eouncl  her  bed  and  in  her  room, 
Waiting  to  waft  her  spirit  home," 

as  she  often  repeats  to  us. 

She  was  then,  and  is  now,  sure  that  she  knows  what  death 
is  like,  that  its  "  strange  coldness  not  like  any  other,"  came 
upon  her,  and  she  "  felt  the  blood  settling  round  her  heart." 

She  had  all  day  been  complaining  of  a  "suffocating  feeling 
and  pain  through  the  lungs,"  but  the  feeling  that  death  had 
come,  came  suddenly,  and  found  many  of  her  friends  absent. 
A  "  pet  brother "  was  away,  and  though  willing  to  go,  she 
wished  "  first  to  kiss  darling  brother  good  bye."  And  so  she 
eagerly  took  spoonful  after  spoonful  of  wine  to  live  until  he 
might  come.  He  did  come  and  she  wished  to  die  in  his  arms, 
and  so  he  held  her  until  the  moments  grew  into  hours,  and 
other  friends  were  sent  for,  and  more  stimulants  given  to  keep 
her  for  them,  and  still  she  waited  upon  the  hither  shore,  or 
buffeted  the  swelling  flood  of  Jordan.  At  one  time  she  would 
be  in  an  ecstacy  of  bliss  with  the  beautiful  vision,  and  at  anoth- 
er, would  feel  that  "  Jesus  had  left  her  to  tread  the  dark  val- 
ley alone,  and  that  thus  she  could  not  go."  At  one  such  dark 
moment  she  requested  prayer,  and  a  brother,  himself  feeble 
and  sorrowing,  offered  up  a  broken  prayer,  and  the  light  came 
to  her  gaze.  Again  it  left,  and  the  poor  agency  of  my  words 
was  blessed  to  the  restoration  of  her  faith.  Once  more,  only» 
was  the  light  withdrawn.     Then  her  brother  was  gone,  and 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  87 

she  plead  for  some  one  to  pray  with  her.  No  one  was  there 
to  do  so,  and  she  made  the  request  of  me.  For  years  I  had 
not  done  that  in  public,  but  only  in  my  heart  and  closet ;  and 
had  wondered  whether  if  called  to  do  so  by  some  dying  boy 
in  a  hospital,  I  could  discharge  the  duty.  But  the  dying  re- 
quest was  not  to  be  refused,  and  taking  her  hands  in  my  own, 
while  bending  over  her,  I  asked  the  dear  Father  not  to  allow 
the  shadoiv  of  death  so  to  come  between  her  and  his  blessed 
presence,  for  though  we  were  sure  He  was  with  her,  we  pray- 
ed Him  to  withdraw  the  darkness,  which  came  through  weak- 
ness of  the  spirit,  that  she  might,  while  crossing  the  dark 
river,  find  Him  her  staj'^  and  staff,  and  might  be  permitted  to 
see  his  face,  and  know  Him  even  as  she  was  known  of  Him. 
About  midnight,  she  sank  away  to  a  quiet  slumber,  but 
upon  awaking  in  the  morning  wept  like  a  child,  that  her  clay 
had  not  found  the  eternal  sleej),  and  her  spirit  the  endless 
morning. 

Monday,  14. 

Another  week  has  passed,  but  upon  lighter  wings,  for  the 
wearing  of  alternate  hope  and  despondency  has,  within  the 
last  few  days,  been  succeeded  by  the  joyous  conviction  that 
the  crisis  is  past,  and  the  invalid  is  slowly  but  surely  convale- 
scing. 

Find  my  own  health  has  suffered  more  than  I  had  thought. 
Shall  not  dare  venture  South  again  till  the  warm  months  of 
the  season  are  passed.  In  the  mean  time  for  medicine  will 
take  a  trip  to  southern  Wisconsin,  where,  in  the  pleasant 
homes  of  friends  and  whirl  of  happy  meetings,  health  may  be 
found  for  a  second  trip  to  Dixie. 

Have  just  heard  two  anecdotes,  which  I  must  jot  down,  be- 
fore forgotten. 

A  little  young  soldier  of  this  town,  by  name  Breton,  who 


88  HOSPITAL     TENCILLINGS. 

ran  away  from  home  and  into  the  army,  came  home  on  a  fur- 
lough, and  staid  a  week  over  his  time.  On  starting  back,  his 
father  took  him  by  the  hand  and  was  about  bidding  him  an 
affectionate  farewell,  with  a  bit  of  parental  advice,  when  he 
cut  short  the  matter  by  exclaiming : 

"  Good  bye  father,  be  a  good  boy  and  take  good  care  of 
yourself  ! "  and  he  was  gone.  Upon  reporting  to  his  captain 
for  duty,  the  latter  said  : 

"  I  believe  you've  overstaid  your  time,  havn't  you  ?" 

"  Yes  sir,"  was  the  prompt  reply. 

"  What  do  you  think  I  ought  to  do  about  it  ?"  said  the  cap- 
tain, "  Well  I  don't  know,  captain,"  was  the  reply,  "  unless  you 
put  me  on  double  rations  /" 

The  second  is  told  of  a  little  neice  of  Miss  O's.  A  brother 
of  hers  has  too  little  girls,  the  very  opposite  in  character. 
One  is  very  amiable,  quiet  and  gentle  spoken,  while  the  other 
is  a  self-willed  little  spitfire.  Both  attended  a  "love  feast.'' 
Little  angel  took  some  of  the  bread  and  water,  but  spitfire 
wouldn't. 

"  Why  don't  you  take  some  of  the  bread  and  water,  Adan- 
ine  ?  "  whispered  "  gentle  Annie." 

"jTaus,  I  aint  a  doin'  to  ! "  she  said,  spitefully. 

When  they  reached  home,  their  mother  asked  the  little  sin- 
ner the  same  question. 

"  Taus,  I  didn't  want  to,"  was  the  vengeful  reply. 

"  But  why  didn't  you  want  to,  Adanine,"  persisted  the 
mother. 

"  Taus,  I  don't  love  everybody"  was  the  confession. 

"  Why  don't  you  love  everybody,  who  is  it  that  you  don't 
love,"  was  the  next  query. 

"  Well,"  was  the  emphatic  reply,  "  I  don't  love  de  seccsh  not 
de  debble  I " 

At  another  time  her  father  had  to  punish  her,  and  he  asked 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  89 

"  what  was  the  reason  slie  couldn't  be  a  good  girl,  why  she 
was  so  naughty." 

"  Taus — taus,  I  dit  so  tussin'  mad,"  responded  the  little  re- 
probate. 

"  Cussing,"  why  Adanine,  who  learned  you  to  say  that 
word  ?" 

"  Didn't  anybody,  I  dess  I  know  some  tings  don't  anyhody 
learn  me,  'thout  its  de  dehhle  !  " 

Think  she  will  always  be  a  firm  believer  in  original  sin. 


United  States  Hotel,  Louisville,  Kt., 
Thursday,  Sept.  22,  '64. 

Last  Friday  noon,  saw  me  in  the  city  of  Chicago,  with 
trunk  checked  for  Michigan.  Entered  rooms  of  North  Wes- 
tern Sanitary  Commission,  and  made  myself  known  to  Mrs. 
M.  A.  Livermore,  to  whom  I  had  previously  sent  letter  of  in- 
troduction, from  an  old  and  mutual  friend.  Learned  for  the 
first  time  that  a  reply  had  been  sent  within  twenty-four  hours 
after  its  reception,  with  fhe  offer  of  a  position  in  a  hospital  at 
Rome,  Georgia.  This  communication  was  rapidly  given,  and 
closed  with  the  inquiry  : 

"  Now,  can  you  go ;  can  you  start  on  Monday  ?  " 

Wednesday  was  preferred,  and  the  result  was  that  I  re- 
turned to  Harlem  with  the  Rev.  gentlemen  who  had  accom- 
panied me,  where  kind,  though  new  found  friends  assisted  in 
the  preparation. 

Yesterday,  which  was  the  day  appointed,  came  to  Chicago, 
and  upon  reporting  myself  in  readiness  for  the  trip,  learned 
that  General  Sherman  had  issued  an  order  forbidding  any 
except  soldiers  going  beyond  Chattanooga;  also  that  the 
hospital  at  Rome  was  soon  to  be  broken  up.  However,  as  it 
was  presumed  a  situation  might  be  obtained  in  this  city,  Nash- 
16 


90  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

ville  or  Chattanooga,  I  was  furnished  with  letters  of  introduc- 
tion to  dignitaries  of  the  first  two  cities,  and  took  the  night 
train  for  this  city,  via  IndianapoHs. 

A  beautifully  golden  evening,  and  just  cool  enough  for 
comfort.  An  excellent  car  and  nice  seat  all  to  myself,  luxuries 
appreciated  all  the  more,  as  I  may,  before  many  days,  be  riding 
in  a  box  car,  through  a  country  from  the  bushes  or  heights  of 
it^hich  may  whistle  a  bullet  from  an  unseen  foe. 

Kead  two  of  the  best  letters  in  the  world  while  watching 
the  scenery  and  glorying  in  the  triumphs  of  art  over  nature, 
as  with  the  aid  of  a  little  fire  and  w^ater,  we  sped  swiftly  over 
a  corner  of  Lake  JMichigan,  until  the  sun  went  to  bed  and  the 
stars  got  up. 

Then  placing  shawl  upon  valise,  reclining  in  a  very  grace- 
ful position,  and  laying  handkerchief  over  face  so  that  my 
open  countenance,  if  it  chanced  to  be  such,  should  not  be 
subject  to  the  vulgar  gaze  of  Northern  mudsills  nor  the  lofty 
scorn  of  Southern  chivalry,  I  sought  the  acquaintance  of 
Morpheus.  He  was  not  easily  persuaded,  however,  and  be- 
tween baby  crying  on  one  side  and  a  J)olitical  confab  on  the 
other,  had  only  occasional  glimpses  of  dreamland.  The  sun 
got  up  rather  bright  in  the  morning,  but  with  a  very  red  face, 
as  if  he  were  either  ashamed  of  himself  for  sleejDing  so  late 
or  was  out  of  all  patience  at  the  "  goings  on  "  down  at  the 
antipodes,  or  perhaps  finding  them  so  much  better  than  ours 
grew  red  in  the  face  at  thoughts  of  coming  back  to  us. 
"Whichever  it  was  could  not  determine ;  but  was  certain  it 
was  not  from  any  sympathy  with  the  copperheads.  Well,  the 
sun  and  I  got  up  about  the  same  time — myself  a  little  in 
advance,  and  both  just  in  season  to  get  a  view  of  the  suburbs 
of  Indianapolis. 

The  train  arrived  about  six,  would  go  at  eight.  Nearly 
two  hours  in  which  to  hunt  up  an  old  friend.     First  inquired 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  91 

of  omnibus  drivers — no  ticket  agent  to  be  found — then  at  near- 
est hotel  for  a  certain  Professor  and  Reverend.  No  one  knew 
the  residence  of  either.  Landlords  don't  know,  generally, 
when  breakfast  is  ready  and  they  can  get  seventy-five  cents  for 
a  piece  of  tough  beef,  a  cold  potatoe  and  cup  of  muddy  coffee. 
Called  for  a  city  directory,  but  only  succeeded  in  finding  the 
residence  of  the  clergyman,  which  was  a  mile  distant,  and 
which  might  be  a  mile  away  from  the  friend  I  sought.  So 
made  the  best  of  the  matter,  meekly  ate  an  apology  for  a 
breakfast,  meekly  paid  for  it,  and  meekly  requested  a  contra- 
band of  war  to  carry  my  valise  and  show  me  the  train. 
Thanked  the  former  piece  of  property,  seated  ourself,  took 
writing  materials  and  soon  had  a  note  written  and  dispatched 
to  the  Post  Office,  assuring  friend  C.  that  if  she  would  en- 
lighten the  benighted  understanding  of  the  landlord,  as  to  her 
whereabouts,  she  should  be  favored  with  a  glimpse  of  the 
radiant  face  of  a  friend  when  next  it  passed  that  way,  whether 
the  time  be  a  day,  a  week,  a  month  or  a  year. 

Travelled  through  clouds   of  dust  until  about  three  this 
P.  M.  before  reaching  this  city. 


Friday  Eve,  23. 

According  to  instructions,  immediately  upon  arrival,  yester- 
day, proceeded  to  the  office  of  Sanitary  Commission.  Pass 
into  a  hall.  An  open  door  upon  either  side.  By  one  is 
posted  this  notice  : — 

*•  For  sick  or  wounded  soldiers,  inquire  here." 
To  which  place  we  direct  a  man  who  had  come  from  near 
Harrisburg,   Pennsylvania,  for  a  sick  son  who  had   been  in 
Rome,  Georgia.     Turned  to  the  other  where  several  gentle- 
men were  writing,  and  asked  for  Dr.  Newbury. 

"  Do  you  wish  to  see  the  Doctor  himself.'^"  was  the  query. 


92  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

"  Yes,  I  have  a  letter  of  introduction." 

"  I  will  take  it  to  liim,  and  bring  word  whether  he  will  see 

you." 

In  a  moment  he  was  down  with  the  request  to  walk  up- 
stairs. Dr.  N.  met  me  quite  cordially,  offered  a  pretty  army 
stool  for  a  seat,  and  after  finding  out  my  purposes  and  desired 
destination,  he  said : 

"  It  will  be  best  to  telegraph  the  surgeon  at  Rome,  and  he 
can,  if  he  chooses,  ask  a  permit  from  General  Sherman  for 
you  to  come  there,  or  if  the  hospital  is  broken  up,  to  go  else- 
where with  the  patients.  Be  assured,"  he  added,  "  that  no 
effort  shall  be  spared,  and  your  interests  promptly  attended 
to.  But  as  our  orders  are  quite  positive  I  prefer  before  you 
go  farther  that  everything  shall  be  properly  done,  so  that  we 
shall  feel  justified  in  calling  upon  Government  for  your 
support  and  expenses.  In  the  meantime  we  shall  see  that 
you  have  pleasant  quarters  at  a  hotel,  where  you  had  best 
make  yourself  as  comfortable  and  contented  as  possible  untU 
the  matter  is  arranged." 

He  then  called  a  young  gentleman  to  whom  he  gave  orders 
to  accompany  me  to  this  hotel. 

I  was  very  grateful  for  this  kind  reception,  but  am  certain 
that  it  was  due  to  the  influence  of  Mrs.  Livermore,  through 
her  introductory  letter.  Had  I  come  without  it  possibly  my 
reception  might  have  been  similar  to  that  of  Mrs.  Witten- 
meyer  last  week,  from  General  Sherman.  His  order  had 
been  issued,  but  she  had  pushed  her  way  forward  some  way, 
and  appeared  at  his  headquarters  at  Atlanta.  He  saw  her 
approaching  and  called  out  imperatively : 

"  Stop,  madam — who  are  you — how  did  you  get  here  ?  " 

"  I  am  Mrs.  M.,  State  Agent  of  Iowa  and  agent  of  Chris- 
tian Commission." 

"  How  dare  you  come,"  he  angrily  emphasized,  ''  how  dare 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLING3.  93 

tliev  ht  you  come,  after  such  positive  orders  as  I  have  issued  ? 
Go  home,  madam — take  the  first  train  back,  and  don't  stop 
this  side  of  Chattanooga !  " 

She  sajs  she  never  walked  faster  in  her  life  than  she  did 
to  get  out  of  his  presence. 


EVENINO. 

The  young  gentleman  who  accompanied  and  bespoke  a 
pleasant  room  for  me  here,  called  this  P.  M.  and  accompanied 
me  to  Clay  Hospital,  "  Branch  C."  It  was  M.  J.  Winder, 
"hospital  visitor"  of  the  Sanitary  Commission. 

The  two  Misses  Wells  are  the  worthy  j^residing  geniuses 
of  the  hospital.  Passed  some  three  or  four  hours  with  the 
patients  and  found  many  interesting  cases.  Among  which 
was  that  of  a  young  soldier  who,  having  been  taken  sick  at 
some  hospital  farther  south,  had  recovered  sufficiently  to  start 
home  on  furlough,  but  upon  arriving  at  this  city,  weak,  weary 
and  exhausted,  he  fell  in  the  street  and  was  taken  to  the 
Soldier's  Home.  Upon  coming  to,  his  mind  wandered  and 
memory  was  so  weak  he  gave  uncertain  and  contradictory 
statements  with  regard  to  himself,  company  and  regiment. 
From  this  he  was  believed  to  be  a  deserter,  and  was  put  in  the 
lock-up.  Here  Mr.  Winder  found  him,  when  somewhat  more 
rational,  had  him  removed  to  the  hospital,  and  had  sent  for 
his  mother  from  Michigan,  who  has  now  had  care  of  her  son 
for  some  time.     He  is  very  talkative. 

"  They  won't  let  me  talk  half  what  I  want  to,"  said  the 
sick  boy,  "  and  I  thank  you  for  visiting  with  me ;  won't  you 
come  again  in  a  day  or  two  ?  "  he  inquired.  And  he  added 
witli  emphasis :  "  Its  done  me  a  sight  of  good  to  visit  with 
you — you're  just  the  one  to  talk  to  us  sick  boys." 

He   was  loud  in  his  praises    of  the  hospital   visitor.     He 


94  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

is  familiarly  known  as  Henry.  The  look  of  his  eyes,  his 
nervous  restlessness  and  the  lack  of  sleep  for  several  nights 
are  unfavorable  symptoms,  still  everybody  seems  to  think  he 
will  recover. 

While  passing  round  and  speaking  to  the  patients,  I  found 
one  man  who  was  able  to  sit  up  but  suffering  from  scrofula 
and  heart  disease  ;  and  upon  inquiring  what  State  he  was  from, 
learned  that  he  was  from  Cattarangas  County,  New  York. 
And  furthermore  that  he  was  a  member  of  the  154th,  which 
I  had  seen  when  it  was  starting  for  the  South,  and  that  his 
captain  was  an  old  school  acquaintance — Captain  Cheney.  It 
was  C.  R.  Brown,  of  Machias.  While  talking  with  him  of 
other  fi'iends  in  the  regiment,  whose  acquaintance  I  had  made 
in  school  at  Randolph,  a  young  fellow  approached  and  ex- 
claimed : 

"  You  from  Randolph,  New  York  ?  " 

And  upon  receiving  a  reply  in  the  affirmative,  with  the 
addition  of  "  more  recently,"  he  exclaimed,  as  he  extended 
his  hand  with  an  emphatic  nod, 

"  Wh}^,  that's  m?/  home  !  " 

The  action,  manner  and  tone  evinced  the  fact  that  he 
appreciated  "home"  as  few  beside  soldiers  can.  And  so  it 
came  to  pass,  that  the  rapid  questions  and  answers  revealed 
the  fact  that  we  had  both  been  students  at  the  same  dear  old 
Randolph  Academy,  and  had  each  many  of  the  same  dear  old 
friends.  And  I  fancy  we  talked  and  felt  as  if  we  were  the 
joint  proprietors  of  all  Randolph  Academy — professors,  teach- 
ers and  students  combined,  and  each  was  greatly  rejoiced  to 
meet  the  other  partner  in  the  concern. 

While  we  were  talking  the  matron  came  up  and  asked  if 
he  had  "  found  somebody  he  knew." 

"  Why,  yes,"  said  he  emphatically,  "  I've  found  an  old 
friend." 


HOSPITAL     PE^XILLINGS.  95 

• 

"I  thought  you  were  looking  better,"  she  responded. 

"Oh,  yes,"  he  replied,  "I  was  nearly  well  before,  and  now 
this  will  cure  me  su7'e  I " 

He  was  quite  right  about  our  being  old  friends,  as  the 
trifling  fact  of  our  having  never  met  before  was  not  the  least 
in  the  way.  And  our  relationship  was  very  much  nearer  than 
between  those  two  individuals,  who  upon  meeting  in  a  foreign 
land,  ascertained  the  pleasing  fact  that  the  dog  of  the  grand- 
father of  the  one  had  once  run  across  the  garden  of  the 
grandmother  of  the  other. 

Tuesday,  27. 

The  "Henry,"  mentioned  under  last  date,  was  suddenly 
called  in  the  night  to  "cross  the  lines,"  but  not  into  the 
country  of  an  enemy. 

In  waiting  for  telegrams  have  passed  some  days  at  Uncle 
Sam's  expense.  Not  a  pleasing  thought,  but  having  a  com- 
mission in  my  pocket  authorizing  me  to  take  care  of  some  of 
his  sick  boys,  felt  justified  in  so  doing. 

Yesterday  met  Miss  C.  A.  Buckel,  M.  D.,  agent  of  Miss 
Dix.  She  also,  per  advice  of  the  latter,  had  given  me  a  call 
to  come  this  way,  which  missive  I  had  not  received. 

Rode  over  to  the  large  new  hospital  at  Jeffersonville,  just 
across  the  river  from  Louisville,  on  the  Indiana  shore. 

I  can  have  a  situation  there,  but  with  her  advice,  and  my 
own  inclination,  shall  visit  Nashville. 

Called  this  morning  at  office  of  Sanitary  Commission,  re- 
ceived permission  of  Dr.  N.  to  go  South,  and  a  note  from 
Mr.  Thorne  to  Provost  Marshal,  who  said  a  late  order  had 
requested  the  applicant  for  a  pass  to  "  apply  in  person."  I 
went  alone  to  headquarters  and  obtained  the  pass. 

I  leave  the  "  City-of-tlie-Falls  "  for  the  "  City-of-the-Rocks  " 
to-morrow. 


96  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

Colonel  Ham,  Indiana  State  Agent,  whom  I  have  met  at 
the  table  of  this  excellent  hotel,  informs  me  that  he  received 
a  letter  last  eve  from  the  last-named  city,  stating  that  Forrest's 
and  Dick  Taylor's  forces  had  combined  and  were  marcliing 
upon  Nashville.  If  that  is  true  there  will  be  wounded  men 
to  care  for,  and  if  a  battle  I  want  to  be  "  there  to  see." 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  97 


CHAPTER    VIII. 

Home  of  Sanitary  Commission, 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  29,  1864. 

The  evening  previous  to  my  departure  from  Louisville  I 
received  a  call  from  the  hospital  visitor  and  another  gentle- 
man, whom  he  introduced  as  Dr.  Webster.  I  have  since 
learned  that  he  was  sent  out  from  Washington  as  chief  of 
hospital  inspectors,  and  is  a  brother  of  General  Webster  of 
Nashville,  chief  of  Sherman's  staff. 

Dr.  W.  laughingly  observed  that  he  had  called  to  offer  his 
protection  on  the  morrow,  but  presumed  I  was  aware  the 
offer  now-a-days  implied  the  desire  to  receive  protection  as 
well,  when  a  trip  to  Nashville  was  anticipated. 

The  gentleman  was  informed  that  it  would  be  a  pleasure 
to  bestow  protection  so  far  as  a  seat  in  the  ladies'  car  was 
concerned,  but  that  I  should  expect  to  be  the  recipient  of  the 
same  should  the  train  be  attacked  by  guerillas. 

Upon  arriving  at  the  depot  yesterday  morning  all  were 
ordered  to  take  satchels,  baskets,  bandboxes,  &c.,  forward  to 
be  examined  with  the  trunks.  But  upon  offering  the  keys  of 
my  valise  and  trunk  to  the  inspector,  he  said : 

"  I  guess  you  havn't  any  Government  property  you're  tak- 
ing south  to  sell,"  you're  a  member  of  the  Sanitary  Commis- 
sion aren't  you  ?  looked  at  my  pass,  put  a  Government  stamp 
on  each  article,  and  let  me  go  without  farther  ceremony. 

But  all  did  not  fare  so  well.     The  trunks  of  many  were 
thoroughly  searched ;  and  I  heard  one  lady,  who  came  into 
the  car  just  before  starting,  say  : 
17 


98  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

"  They  would  persist  in  diving  into  the  very  bottom  of  my 
trunk  !*' 

Nothing  special  occurred  on  the  route,  and  the  time  passed 
quite  pleasantly  in  conversation  with  Dr.  W.  and  a  lady 
teacher  whom  I  had  met  in  the  school  at  Nashville.  Among 
other  things  the  doctor  spoke  of  seeing  one  Sabbath  morning 
an  aged  colored  man  on  some  steps  at  Nashville,  engaged  in 
reading.  He  approached  the  student,  and  found  him  in  pos- 
session of  a  Latin  Testament.  And  upon  inquiring  if  he 
could  read  it,  the  man  humbly  said  he  could  not  read  much, 
having  never  had  a  teacher.  But  he  did  read  and  translate 
two  or  three  verses  quite  readily.  He  informed  the  doctor 
that  he  had  taught  the  colored  people  all  he  could  for  twenty 
years.  That  whenever  one  of  his  schools  was  discovered  and 
broken  up  he  commenced  again  in  some  other  part  of  the  city. 

Arrived  about  seven  last  evening,  and  came  immediately  to 
home  of  Sanitary  Commission,  where  doctor  W.  and  wife  are 
stopping.  This  is  a  pleasant  place,  on  corner  of  Sunamer 
street  and  Capitol  avenue. 

Found  Judge  Root  and  lady,  with  their  Sanitary  family,  at 
tea ;  and  was  not  long  in  discovering  that  the  table  here  is  a 
place  not  only  for  the  genial  interchange  of  thought,  and  of 
jest  and  humor,  the  life  of  which  is  the  judge  himself,  but  also 
for  the  gathering  of  precious  gems  of  knowledge,  ranging 
from  those  of  philosophical,  geological  and  botanical  science, 
to  the  latest  news  from  the  front,  and  the  sayings  and  doings 
of  our  secesh  neighbors. 

As  instance  of  the  latter,  we  are  informed  that  the  widow 
of  ex-president  Polk  has  been  informed  that  she  can  purchase 
coal  of  Government  on  the  same  condition  as  other  citizens  of 
Nashville, — by  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance.  That  she  has 
subsequently  tried  to  get  it  at  other  places,  but  failed.  That 
at  one  time  she  remarked  that  her  "husband  had  been  Presi- 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  99 

dent  of  the  whole  United  States,  and  that  she  cannot  divide 
her  sympathies  and  give  them  to  any  one  party." 

Saturday,  October  1. 

As  result  of  introductory  letter  to  Judge  R.  and  his  influ- 
ence, had  offer  of  situation  in  the  diet  kitchen  of  hospital  No. 
1.  This  was  accompanied,  however,  with  the  proviso  that  I 
must  be  able  to  say  to  this  one,  "  cook  so  much  of  tliis  so  long, 
and  this  so  long,"  and  also  with  the  word,  that  he  "  allowed 
no  lady  under  his  charge  to  visit  patients  in  the  sick  wards." 
Offer  respectfully  declined.  • 

Yesterday  morning  called  on  Miss  Annie  Bell,  matron  of 
hospital.  No.  8.  She  is  very  favorably  known  by  all  surgeons 
throughout  the  city  ;  and  possesses  a  really  noble  and  inde- 
pendent nature.  She  was  at  Gettj^sburg,  and  a  winter  at 
Harper's  Ferry.  She  accompanied  me  to  call  upon  dignita- 
ries, and  the  result  is  a  promise  of  a  position  for  her  cousin 
and  myself  in  hospital  No.  3,  as  soon  as  ladies'  quarters  can 
be  fitted  up,  which  are  promised  in  about  ten  days.  The  sur- 
geon is  doctor  Ludlow. 

Yesterday  P.  M.  had  the  pleasure  of  a  ride  about  five 
miles  out  of  the  city,  on  the  Gallatin  Pike,  to  visit  a  field  of 
cotton.  We  had  the  splendid  team  from  head  quarters,  which 
consisted  of  four  powerful  black  horses,  and  the  only  really 
fine-looking  ambulance  I  ever  saw.  It  had  four  seats,  and 
the  party  consisted  of  five  ladies.  Doctor  "Webster  and  the  dri- 
ver. It  was  a  delightful  day,  the  air  clear  and  balmy,  and 
our  steeds  in  fine  spirits.  We  were  obliged  to  cross  on  the 
rail-road  bridge,  the  other  being  burned  "  to  keep  the  feder- 
als back." 

We  passed  the  camp  of  the  13th  "  regulars,"  the  last  pick- 
ets, and  drove  down  a  road  lined  a  part  of  the  way  with  tulip 
trees,  oaks,  sycamores  and  magnolias. 


100  HOSPITAL    PEXCILLINGS. 

We  reached  the  cotton  field,  the  driver  sprang  out,  pulled 
away  the  fence,  and  the  northern  vandals  were  soon  engaged 
in  foraging  each  a  handful  of  souvenirs.  But  the  driver  cau- 
tioned us  through  Doctor  W.  to  make  haste,  and  we  found 
that  he  considered  it  quite  a  hazardous  affair  since  leaving  the 
pickets,  three  miles  behind.  There  were  country  residences 
near  by,  and  along  the  route,  but  they  were  violently  seces- 
sion in  princii3le,  and  from  the  house,  the  owner  of  the  cotton 
might  easily  have  reached  us  with  a  bullet  while  we  were  en- 
gaged in  the  confiscation. 

"  He  knows  better  than  to  do  it,  though,"  said  the  doctor. 
But  Mrs.  W.  remarked  that  if  her  life  was  taken,  it  would 
matter  very  little  with  her  afterward  if  he  was  punished  for 
it,  "  It  would  not  put  her  own  head  on  her  shoulders  again 
and  no  other  would  fit  them  quite  so  well." 

And  as  we  were  all  more  or  less  inclined  to  take  that  phi- 
losophical view  of  the  matter,  and  considering  also  that  our 
four  splendid  black  horses  might  be  a  desirable  item  in  the 
mind  of  some  hardened  bushwacker,  we  decided  not  to  tarry 
long  at  the  cotton,  and  the  grass  did  not  grow  very  long  un- 
der the  hoofs  of  our  horses,  until  we  were  safe  inside  the 
pickets. 

The  cotton  blossom  more  nearly  resembles  a  white  or 
cream-colored  hollyhock  than  any  other  with  which  I  am  ac- 
quainted. It  shuts  at  night,  I  am  told,  and  does  not  re-open. 
There  are  small  buds  and  large  ones,  blossoms  in  all  stages, 
just  formed  bolls,  and  the  ripe  ones  with  the  bursting  cotton, 
all  at  the  same  time,  and  on  the  same  shrub.  The  crop  does 
not  do  so  well  in  this  latitude,  this  season,  as  usual.  Indeed 
King  Cotton  rather  disappointed  me  in  his  personal  appear- 
ance, presenting  rather  a  sickly  and  woe-begone  look,  That 
of  his  rival,  wool,  presents  certainly  a  much  more  imposing 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  101 

aspect,  particularly  when  the  representative,  like  those  fright- 
ful creatures  at  the  north  called  Yankees,  has  horns. 

Tuesday,  4. 

Helped  Mrs.  W.  make  two  yellow  flags,  out  of  flannel,  for 
the  hospital  train  running  between  this  city  and  Louisville,  as 
they  dare  not  run  now  without,  for  fear  of  being  fired  into. 
Two  trains  were  stopped  and  burned  near  Fountain  Head,  this 
side  of  Bowling  Green.  They  contained  refiigees  who  were 
robbed. 

An  order  was  received  last  Sunday,  from  General  Sher- 
man, to  put  this  city  in  a  "  state  of  perfect  defence."  The 
probabilities  of  a  battle  here  are  a  common  topic  of  conversa- 
tion. Should  th&re  be  one,  northern  people  are  little  con- 
cerned as  to  the  final  result. 

Have  made  a  visit  to  the  Capitol  in  company  with  Mrs. 
Dr.  W.  At  present,  a  New  York  regiment  and  six  cannon 
are  its  protection.  The  lofty  ceilings,  spacious  floors,  broad 
flights  of  stairs  and  balustrades  inside,  and  the  whole  exterior, 
with  its  gigantic  columns,  tower  and  graceful  statuary  are  all 
of  solid  marble. 

The  senate  chamber  is  less  imposing,  and  the  adornments 
fewer  and  much  plainer  than  in  the  hall  of  representatives. 
In  the  end  of  that  portico  fronting  the  river  is  the  vault  of 
the  architect,  James  Strickland,  placed  there  as  the  tablet  in- 
forms us,  by  an  act  of  the  legislature. 

Visited  the  library  and  museum.  The  former  seemed  to 
me  very  large,  but  am  told  that  it  is  not  so  considered.  But 
Mrs.  TV.  was  occupied,  I  believe,  in  company  with  the  wise 
wizard  of  the  place,  in  consulting  sundry  yellow  and  ponder- 
ous 

"  Volumes  of  forgotten  lore," 

to  ascertain  by  what  scientific  name  she  might  baptise  a  certain 
18 


102  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

shell  and  coral  specimen  she  had  picked  up  on  Capitol  hill, 
and  which  Doctor  W.  had  declared  "  might  have  been  turned 
over  by  the  foot  of  Adam  when  walking  with  his  children 
upon  the  beach,  with  the  remark  that  he  '  hadn't  the  slightest 
idea  how  old  they  were  ! ' " 

Being  just  now  in  a  condition  to  sympathize  with  that 
young  lady  who  had  just  finished  at  a  fashionable  boarding 
school,  and  who  was  surprised  that  she  had  "ever  fagged 
through  it  all,"  and  also  that  it  was  "  astonishing  that  one 
head  could  contain  it  all,"  shall  give  the  weak  little  head  a 
rest  from  reading  much  about  the  world,  till  it  has  seen  more 
of  it. 

There  were  several  tattered  flags  in  which  I  was  much  in- 
terested. One  had  been  in  the  Mexican  war,  which  was  made 
and  presented  to  the  1st  Tennessee  Inft.  by  the  ladies  of 
Nashville.  Have  been  wondering  how  many  of  those  same 
ladies  now  revile  that  flag,  and  prefer  to  know  their  loved 
ones  are  fighting  under  the  banners  of  secessia. 

I  saw  also  such  heautiful  specimens  of  Tennessee  marble, 
than  which  there  is  no  finer  in  the  world.  A  species  of  the 
red  is  used  in  the  trimmings  of  the  Capitol  at  Washington.  I 
saw  iron  ore  from  the  Ural  Mountains,  copper  from  North  Car- 
olina, tomahawks  and  axes  made  of  stone,  peace  pipes  and 
wampum  taken  from  Indian  graves,  or  their  battle  grounds.  I 
saw  a  cast  of  Napoleon's  head,  the  mummy  of  a  man,  and 
that  of  a  sacred  cat  from  Thebes,  petrefied  foam  from  the  nat- 
ural bridge  of  Virginia,  a  leaf  from  the  Charter  oak,  an  ambro- 
type  of  Samuel  Houston,  the  original  commission  of  General 
Israel  Putnam,  a  spear  from^the  farm  of  Osawatamie  Brown, 
Continental  money,  the  tooth  of  a  mastadon,  a  horned  toad, 
and  a  coat  and  hood  of  the  skins  of  animals  made  and  worn 
by  Daniel  Boone,  of  Kentucky. 

What  a  very  orderly  and  scientific  inventory !     Think  I 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  103 

shall  have  to  visit  the  Capitol  once  or  twice  more,  and  with 
paper  and  pencil,  before  I  shall  be  at  all  satisfied. 


Saturday,  8. 

Visited  the  Penitentiary  in  company  with  a  Miss  I.  H. 
Smith,  from  Quincy,  Illinois,  who  has  just  been  to  Chattanoo- 
ga with  three  tons  of  supplies  designed  for  Atlanta.  She  had 
telegraphed  General  Sherman  for  permission  to  accompany 
them  the  rest  of  the  way,  but  he  replied  in  a  kind  note  accep- 
ting those,  but  directing  that  they  be  placed  in  the  care  of 
an  agent  who  would  bring  them  safely.  I  learn  by  her  that 
he  has  lately  written  one  of  his  officers,  in  reply  to  a  similar 
request,  "  Send  always  a  barrel  of  pork,  in  place  of  a  woman!  " 

The  General  is  intensely  complimentary. 

Found  it  would  be  impossible  to  visit  the  military  prison 
without  a  pass,  with  which  we  had  neglected  to  provide  our- 
selves. Were  obliged  to  wait  some  little  time  for  some  one 
to  accompany  us,  and  in  the  meantime  two  ladies  and  a  gen- 
tleman from  the  north,  made  a  welcome  addition  to  our  party. 

While  waiting  at  the  door,  saw  a  party  of  about  fifty  But- 
ternuts marched  up  close  to  the  door,  two  by  two,  by  a  cap- 
tain. They  were  halted  and  rations  of  bread  and  meat  were 
dealt  out,  the  first  they  had  to  eat  in  twenty-four  hours. 
They  were  deserters,  some  from  Forrest's  forces.  Saw  a  pa- 
per signed  by  two  of  them  saying  they  were  very  anxious  to  be 
employed  here  by  Government.  They  were  marched  away, 
and  those  wishing  to  go,  will  be  sent  north. 

"  We  have  in  that  yard  about  three  hundred  bushwackera 
and  guerrillas,"  said  the  communicative  guard. 

"  Ah,  and  what  do  you  do  with  those  ? " 

"  Well,  we  just  stretch  their  necks  for  them  a  little,"  said 
he,  with  a  self-satisfied  smile,  and  with  a  motion  of  the  hand 


104  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

and  neck  as  if  in  imagination  he  saw  one  in  that  very  inter- 
esting situation. 

"  Just  as  you  did  Mosely  the  other  day,"  we  said. 

"  Yes,  oh !  he  was  a  splendid  looking  fellow,  fine  features, 
well  formed,  black  hair  and  whiskers,  and  straight  as  an  In- 
dian ! " 

This  Mosely  was  a  guerrilla,  who  used  to  lay  in  wait  by 
roadsides  and  kill  the  drivers  of  stray  Government  teams, 
burn  the  wagons,  sell  the  horses  or  mules,  and  pocket  the 
proceeds.     He  was  hung  a  few  days  since. 

There  are  now  about  one  hundred  and  six  in  the  Peniten- 
tiary proper,  six  or  seven  for  life,  and  "  the  best  men  they 
have,"  and  five  or  six  are  given  the  limit  of  the  law  short  of 
that,  which  is  twenty-one  years. 

We  passed  into  the  prison  yard,  the  door  was  barred  behind 
us,  and  we  made  the  round  of  the  workshops.  First  we 
entered  the  rooms  where  the  native  cedar  was  made  into  little 
fanciful  pails  and  cujds,  in  which  the  red  cedar  was  dove-tailed 
into  the  white  in  wavy  and  curious  patterns.  I  purchased 
one  of  these  only  about  three  inches  in  height.  Various  things 
for  use  such  as  pails,  tubs,  bureaus,  tables,  stands,  large  chests 
— nice  for  furs — ^and  wardrobes  are  also  manufactured  from 
this  beautiful  red  cedar. 

It  seems  so  strange  to  look  at  the  men  and  to  know  that 
they  must  work  on  in  silence,  hour  after  hour,  day  after  day, 
and  year  after  year  with  a  bar  upon  their  lips.  Of  course  to 
a  woman  it  seems  such  a  terrible  punishment  to  keep  one's 
tongue  still.  Isn't  it  horrible  ?  I  should  think  one's  tongue 
would  cleave  to  the  roof  of  his  mouth  after  a  little. 

Then  we  went  into  the  tobacco  factory  and  saw  "  the 
weed,"  from  the  time  when  the  leaves  are  rolled  and  tied,  to 
the  pressing  of  the  same,  and  the  baking,  to  that  when  it  is 
turned  out  "  ter-bac-ker," — a  delicious  cud  for  certain  animals 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  105 

who  are  blessed  with  two  feet,  but  which  those  with  four  never 
permit  to  pass  their  dainty  lips. 

"  How  is  it  about  the  health  of  those  who  work  here  all 
the  time?"  was  the  query. 

"  Good,"  the  overseer  replied  emphatically.  "  I  was  but 
sixteen  when  I  first  engaged  in  the  business — was  slender  and 
weakly,  but  in  a  year's  time  was  strong  and  well." 

This  does  not  prove,  however,  that  he  might  not  be  just  as 
well,  if  a  carpenter  or  machinist,  and  his  labor  have  been  of 
some  benefit  to  the  world,  instead  of  the  reverse.  Wanted 
to  lower  his  self-respect  a  little  by  telling  him  so,  but  didn't. 

We  saw  also  the  narrow  cells  where  they  sleep.  One  cell 
only  was  occupied,  and  by  a  maniac.  He  was  chained  by  the 
foot,  and  standing  in  the  open  door  with  hands  behind  him. 
We  were  cautioned  not  to  go  within  a  certain  distance.  His 
position  indicated  that  his  hands  were  folded  or  carefully 
crossed,  but  we  found  afterwards  that  he  held  a  club  in  his 
right  hand.  He  watched  us  in  silence  with  lowering  eyebrows 
and  hanging  head,  apparently  measuring  the  distance  between 
himself  and  us,  with  his  small,  black,  malignant  eye. 

"  Cannot  I  speak  to  him,"  inquired  one  of  the  ladies. 

"  Yes,  you  can,  but  I  wouldn't  advise  you  to,"  said  our 
attendant.  "  You'd  likely  be  sorry  for  it  if  you  do.  He 
never  speaks  to  any  one  unless  spoken  to,  but  that  easily 
angers  him." 

It  seems  that  for  years  he  was  a  captain  on  the  Mississippi 
River,  where  he  acted  on  the  proverb  that  drowned  men  tell 
no  tales  with  those  whose  purses  he  thought  worth  his  care. 
He  afterward  became  a  highway  robber  on  land.  His  term 
of  fifteen  years  expired  about  a  week  since,  and  they  have 
been  trying  to  get  him  transferred  to  the  Insane  Asylum, 
but  the  officers  of  said  institution  object  to  receiving  him 
on  account  of  being  made  insane   while  here.     He  has  been 


106  HOSPITAL    PENCILLIls^GS. 

BO  dangerous  that  lie  has  been  chained  constantly  for  four 
years.  They  dare  not  go  near  enough  for  him  to  get  hold  of 
one,  and  his  food  is  pushed  within  his  reach.  Kindness  they 
Bay,  only  makes  him  worse — treating  those  worst  who  show 
him  favors. 

Monday.  10. 

Attended  Union   Church  yesterday,  in  company  with  Dr. 
W.  and  wife.     A  very  excellent  and  liberal  discourse  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Allen,  from  fourth  verse  of  3d  Epistle  of  John, 
"  Walk  in  the  light,  in  the  light  of  God." 

Called  this  morning  on  Mrs.  James  K.  Polk  to  obtain  some 
leaves  and  flowers  for  souvernirs  of  the  j)lace,  to  arrange  on 
paper  for  a  Sanitary  Fair.  Received  very  cordially  by  Mrs. 
P.,  who  accompanied  me  to  the  grounds  and  cut  the  leaves 
and  blossoms  for  me  herself  She  also  presented  a  fine  phot- 
ograph of  the  place,  taken  from  Vine  Street,  and  showing  the 
tomb  of  the  ex-president. 

Mrs.  Polk  has  not  entered  society  since  the  death  of  her 
husband.  In  person  she  is  perhaps  a  trifle  above  the  medium 
height,  slender,  with  high  forehead  and  delicate  features,  and 
bears  marks  of  taste  and  refinement.  Think  she  has  passed 
through  the  ordeal  of  her  former  position  w  ith  a  true  sense 
of  its  real  worth  in  comparison  with  Christian  duties  and 
deeds  of  philanthropy. 

Wednesday,  12. 

By  this  date  I  should  have  been  established  in  Hospital 
No.  3,  but  just  at  the  last  moment,  orders  have  come  to  the 
surgeon  to  prepare  for  the  breaking  up  of  the  hospital  as 
soon  as  possible.  As  the  arrangements  were  not  completed 
for  our  reception,  it  was  thought  best  not  to  do  so  for  only  the 
probable  space  of  three  or  four  weeks.     Miss  Bell  has  accom- 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  107 

panied  me  to  other  hospit9,ls,  but  no  immediate  place  offers 
itself,  and  I  shall  only  wait  until  an  answer  to  the  telegram 
respecting  a  position  at  Jefferson  Hospital  is  received. 

Guerrillas  murdered  five  negro  soldiers  night  before  last 
between  this  city  and  Louisville,  near  Gallatin,  and  set  one 
thousand  cords  of  wood  on  fire. 

Last  night  three  cars  were  burned  near  Bowling  Green. 
Telegraph  wires  were  cut.  Previously  there  had  been  one 
thousand  men  sent  to  guard  the  road.  Trains  are  almost 
daily  fired  into  or  run  off  the  track. 

This  morning  visited  wards  in  Hospital  No.  8  with  the 
associate  of  Miss  B.  Some  interesting  cases.  And  while 
passing  one  bed  was  reminded  of  a  conversation  which  oc- 
curred with  the  occupant  when  in  this  city  last  s^^ring.  He 
has  now  gone  home.  Upon  inquiring  his  native  State,  after 
replying,  he  asked  me  the  same  question,  and  then  said, 

"  Massachusetts — oh  !  that's  an  abolitionist  State  ! " 

"  Yes,"  was  the  reply,  "  and  I'm  proud  of  the  grand  old 
hills,  the  free  institutions  and  liberal  sentiments  of  the  Old 
Bay  State." 

"  Well,  I'm  glad  I  don't  hail  from  there,"  said  the  candid 
but  smiling  Buckeye. 

"And  I'm  glad,  if  I  was  ever  going  to  be  laid  up  with  this 
limb,  that  it  happened  before  they  sent  niggers  out  to  fight  by 
the  side  of  lyie.  Didn't  know,  this  was  going  to  be  a  nigger 
war,  else  they'd  never  got  me  into  it !  " 

The  hearer  jierceived  he  was  in  the  gall  of  bitterness  and 
the  bonds  of  iniquity,  told  him  so,  and  promised  to  call  each 
day  or  two  and  devote  an  hour  or  so  for  his  conversion.  Did 
so  subsequently,  and  found  him  always  ready  to  converse 
pleasantly,  but  not  a  willing  disciple.  Am  still  deeply  con- 
cerned for  his  future  salvation. 

Yesterday  morning  Dr.  Woodward  and  wife  left  for  home. 


108  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

He  was  surgeon  of  22d  Illinois  Volunteers.  They  liave  been 
stopping  here  since  my  stay.  One  evening  last  week,  while 
the  inmates  of  the  Sanitary  Home  were  seated  around  the 
genial  fire  in  the  parlor,  the  conversation  turned  ujDon  the 
magnanimity  of  the  soldiers,  which  it  seems  is  not  confined 
to  our  Union  boys.  It  turned  into  another  channel  afterward? 
and  some  incidents  were  related,  not  in  exemplification  of  the 
magnanimous,  but  very  interesting,  nevertheless. 

The  surgeon  related  that  while  near  the  battle-field  of 
Perrysville — I  think — one  rainy  afternoon,  his  son  came  to 
him  with  the  word  that  two  wounded  soldiers  were  back  of 
the  hospital,  near  a  swamp,  who  needed  care,  and  whom,  un- 
assisted, he  could  not  get  away.  Dr.  W.  went  there  with 
stretcher  and  attendants  and  found  that  one  of  our  men  had  a 
shoulder  shattered,  and  his  companion,  who  was  a  Rebel,  had 
a-  thigh  in  the  same  condition.  The  Union  boy  professed 
himself  able  to  walk  to  the  hospital,  "  but,"  said  he,  "  I  wasn't 
going  to  leave  him,  for  I  knew  if  I  didn't  stay  and  see  that 
he  was  taken  care  of,  he'd  die  to-night."  He  had  somehow 
managed  to  take  ofiT  his  own  coat  and  spread  it  over  the  other. 
The  Rebel  was  put  on  a  litter  and  carried,  while  the  other, 
after  having  his  arm  i3ut  in  a  sling,  walked  to  the  hospital. 
Both  had  a  limb  taken  off,  and  both  died  next  day. 

He  said  also,  that  while  going  round  in  the  evening  to 
ascertain  who  were  in  most  need  of  help,  and  who  could  wait 
till  morning,  he  came  to  one  man  whose  arm  was  nearly  shot 
oflT.  It  was  a  Confederate.  The  doctor  had  scarcely  com- 
menced the  examination  when  the  wounded  man  said  : 

"  Doctor,  I  can  wait,  but  I  wish  you  would  see  what  you 
can  do  for  that  man  who  was  brought  in  with  me — he  is  worse 
than  I  am  and  needs  you  more  than  I  do." 

"  Which  one  is  it,"  inquired  the  surgeon. 

"  Oh !  it's  one  of  your  men — he  lies  there,"  he  said. 


HOSPITAL    PEXCILLINGS. 


109 


« I'll  take  care  of  you  first,  I  guess,"  was  the  reply. 
"No,"  he  persisted,  "  if  you'll  just  put  a  string  round  my 
arm,  so  I  can  hold  it  better,  it'll  do  well  enough  till  after  you 
take  care  of  that  man, — he's  pretty  bad." 

"  Well,"  said  the  doctor,  "  I'll  take  care  of  him  first  if  you 
wish  me  to,  but  guess  I'll  give  you  a  dose  of  morphine  so  you 
can  sleep  to-night,  and  in  the  morning  yom-  arm  will  have  to 
come  off." 

"  Well,"  said  the  noble  fellow^  "  you  needn't  do  anything 
for  me  till  you've  taken  care  of  him'' 

Dr.  W.  did  as  requested ;  and  both  recovered. 
The  same  physician  told  of  one  of  our  men  who  used  to  lie 
in  his  cot  and  read  aloud  from  the  Bible.     One  day  he  was 
passing  the  bed  of  one  of  the  "  Johnnies,"  when  the  latter 
said, 

"  Doctor,  what  book  is  that  thar  Yank  readin'  out  of?" 
"  It's  the  Bible,"  said  the  surgeon. 

"  Well,  I  don't  know  no  thin'  'bout  readin'  myself,  but  if 
you've  no  objection,  doctor,  I'd  like  to  lie  over  thar  nex'  to 
him." 

"  Well,"  was  the  reply,  "  if  the  other  boys  are  willing,  I'll 
let  you  go  there." 

No  objection  was  made,  he  was  moved  and  used  to  lie  hour 
after  hour  with  his  face  turned  towards  the  reader  listening 
and  asking  explanations  ;  and  after  about  two  weeks  he  died. 
Dr.  W.  also  related  a  little  incident  which  occurred  on  a 
march.     They  were  passing  by  a  farm-house,  when  the  woman 
came  out  as  General   Paine  was  riding  slowly  by,  and  she 
called  out  in  a  querulous  tone,  "  General — General !  '\ 
"  Well,  what's  wanted,"  inquired  the  General. 
"  General,  I  want  you  should  put  a  guard  round  my  well — 
your  soldiers  are  going  to  drink  it  all  dry,  so   I  shan't  have 
any  water  for  my  ftmiily." 
19 


110  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

The  soldiers  were  heated  and  thirsty  with  the  long  march 
through  the  dust  and  broiling  sun. 

"Won't  you  put  a  guard  round  it,  General?"  persisted  the 
woman. 

''  Yes,  I  will,"  said  the  General  emj^hatically. 

"  Orderly— here  !  " 

That  officer  came  forward. 

"  Orderly,  put  a  guard  round  this  woman's  well,  and  don't 
you  allow  man,  woman  or  child  to  come  near  it  till  every 
soldier  has  had  all  the  water  he  ivants."" 

The  same  officer  says  that  poor  peoj^le  often  complain,  and 
justly,  that  while  a  guard  is  set  round  the  fine  house  and 
grounds  of  a  rich  neighbor,  their  own  are  over-run  and  pil- 
laged, illustrating  the  passage  that  '•  to  him  that  hath  shall  be 
given,  and  from  him  that  hath  not,  shall  be  taken  that  which 
he  hath."  He  says  he  knew  of  a  place  where  three  union  sol- 
diers were  sent  to  guard  a  house,  who  were  never  seen  or 
heard  of  afterward. 

At  Jackson  a  squad  of  soldiers  were  ordered  to  guard  the 
residence  of  one,  who,  those  soldiers  were  positive,  was  a  rank 
secessionist.  The  house  was  burned  down  in  the  night,  and 
the  captain  of  the  guard  being  questioned  about  the  matter 
said  he  "  guessed  the  lightning  must  have  struck  it."  The 
house,  strange  to  tell!  was  burned  to  the  negroes  quarters 
which  were  saved.  It  is  perhaps  needless  to  add,  that  if  the 
lightning  did  strike  it,  there  was  no  thunder  shower  to  ac- 
company it. 

During  the  conversation  young  Eddy  Jones  related  the  fol- 
lowing as  occurring  on  the  train  at  Louisville : 

The  cars  were  about  starting,  when  an  officer  came  round 
to  inspect  the  boxes,  satchels  and  valises.  Upon  coming  to 
one  man  who  was  sitting  just  back  of  the  narrator,  he  found  that 
he  had  a  pair  of  pistols  in  the  bottom  of  an  old-faded  carpet 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  Ill 

sack.  This  man  was  dressed  in  scant  and  short  pants,  old- 
fashioned  coat,  and  steeple-crowned  straw  hat,  and  looking 
otherwise  like  a  green  country  boy.  Thinking  to  have  some 
sport  with  the  "  greeny "  he  called  out,  sternly :  "  guard 
come  here  and  put  some  irons  on  this  man."  "  Here,  hold  on," 
said  greeny,  deliberately,  and  he  took  some  papers  from  his 
pocket,  which  informed  the  official  that  he  was  ordering  irons 
for  the  disguised  colonel  of  the  o8th  Illinois. 

Dr.  W.  saw  also  a  man  at  Louisville,  who  was  ordered  to 
hand  over  the  key  of  his  satchel  to  the  baggage  inspector. 

"  There  is  nothing  in  the  satchel  except  wearing  apparel," 
persisted  the  owner  emphatically. 

"  I  must  open  it,"  said  the  officer, "  its  altogether  too  heavy ! " 

Upon  doing  this,  were  found,  carefully  done  up  in  wearing 
apparel,  five  or  six  revolvers  and  as  many  boxes  of  ammuni- 
tion, together  with  $300.  The  guard  was  called,  he  was 
marched  off  to  the  military  prison,  while  he  was  informed 
that  his  property  was  confiscated,  including  the  money. 

Professor  Hosford,  of  Hudson,  Ohio,  was  present,  and  re- 
lated the  following,  after  the  conversation  had  turned  upon 
the  condition  of  the  freedmen.  He  had  a  conversation  with 
a  negro  at  Chattanooga,  who  told  him  of  his  liberation  from 
slavery.     Said  he  : 

"  Before  the  Yankees  come  here,  missus  used  to  tell  us 
about  other  niggers  leaving  their  masters,  and  axed  what  we 
thought  of  it,  and  we  told  her  that  we'd  never  leave  missus, 
oh  !  no,  we  thought  too  much  of  missus  to  do  dat.  But  when 
de  Federals  was  a  coming  into  de  place,  missus  got  some  bask- 
ets, and  packages,  and  said  we  must  carry  um,  an'  we'd  all 
leave.     But  we  'fused  to  go,  an'  missus,  she  had  to  go  'lone." 

"  Ah,"  said  the  Pj-ofessor  to  him,  "  what  did  you  tell  her  that 
you  never  would  leave  her,  if  you  meant  to,  all  the  time  ?" 

"  I  'tink  it  was  right,"  replied    the   negro,    emphatically. 


112  HOSPITAL     PENCILLIXGS. 

"  An'  I  can  prove  it  'cordin'  ter  scripter.  For  doiigli  I  can't 
read,  I've  hearn  'em  read  dis  :"  '  Agree  wid  dine  adwersary 
quicJcly  while  dou  art  in  de  ivay  wid  him,  les'  he  takes  you  to 
de  officers,  and  dey  cas'  you  into  prison  I  " 

Another  negro  at  the  same  place  told  the  Professor  that  he 
"  Allays  prayed  an'  prayed  for  de  time  to  come  when  de  col- 
ored people  could  worship  God  under  dere  own  vine  and  fig- 
tree,  when  de}^  could  stay  in  prayer-meetin'  after  nine  o'clock 
at  night,  if  deys  a  mind  to,  wid  none  to  molest  nor  make  'em 
afraid.  An'  I'se  allays  believed  de  time  would  come,  dough 
afterward  I  gets  most  discouraged  wid  de  waitin',  an'  I  never 
see  any  signs  of  my  vine  an'  fig-tree  a  comin'  till  I  seed  Hook- 
ers' men  a  comin'  ober  de  top  o'Lookout  Mountain  ! " 

He  had  about  the  same  idea  of  the  working  of  God  through 
direct  agencies  as  a  gunner  of  whom  we  have  heard.  He  was 
behind  his  gun  while  the  shells  were  bursting  around  him, 
when  the  chaplain  approached  and  asked  if  he  felt  that  Prov- 
idence was  supporting  him. 

"  No,"  he  replied,  "  I  am  supported  by  the  29  th  "  New 
Jersey  ! " 
Friday,  14. 

The  negroes  had  a  dance  down  stairs  last  night.  I  wrote 
several  invitations  for  Miss  Lu  and  Narcissus  to  Mr.  so  and 
so,  dictated  in  this  style,  with  variations: 

"Miss  Lu,  wishes  the  pleasure  of  Mr.  Baker's  company 
round  here,  this  evening,  to   a  dance.     Please  come  early. 

Miss  Lu  Palmer.' 

All  went  down  stairs  for  a  little  time,  to  see  the  per- 
formance. Eddy  J.  proposed  that  I  ask  the  "  musicianers," 
as  aunt  Polly  calls  them,  for  a  "  plantation  break-down."  He 
was  commissioned  to  make  the  request  foi»  me,  but  the  white- 
gloved  and  perfumed  exquisite,  assured  us  that  he 

"  Wouldn't  'tink  of  such  a  'ting,  heah,''  and  he  gave  me 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  113 

such  a  commiserating  and  be-?^^y-nant  glance  and  smile,  as 
much  as  to  sa}^ :  "  You  jjoor  white  child,  how  I  j^ity  you  for 
not  knowin'  what  is  expected  ob  dis  'spectable  company  ob 
colored  pussons." 

Before  leaving  this  place  must  jot  down  something  of  my 
two  contraband  pupils. 

"  Well,  Peter,  what  are  you  going  to  give  us  for  breakfast," 
queried  Judge  R ,  quizzically,  of  the  little  negro  who  wait- 
ed at  table  the  first  evening  of  my  arrival. 

It  was  in  a  lull  of  the  conversation,  and  just  before  the 
company  rose  from  the  table,  so  all  eyes  were  turned  naturally 
towards  the  boy,  who  bore  the  attack  bravely  and  returned 
the  compliment  in  full  from  his  own,  large,  black  orbs.  He 
w^as  well  used  to  the  quizzing  from  the  merry-hearted  Judge, 
and  the  pleased  expression  of  his  eyes  and  the  exhibition  of  a 
double-row  of  the  whitest  ivory  attested  both,  as  he  murmur- 
ed, "  I  don't  know." 

Whereupon  the  Judge  proceeded  to  name  over  a  most 
bounteous  and  unheard  of  list  of  edibles,  ending  with  that  of 
"  baked  white  fish."  "  And  he  sure  Peter,  that  j^ou  remove 
every  scale  and  pick  every  hone  out  of  the  fish  before  it  is 
baked." 

"  Yes,  sir,"  responded  Peter. 

"  You'll  attend  to  it,  will  you  Peter  ?  pick  every  bone  out, 
before  it  is  baked,"  said  he,  in  a  tone  in  which  perfect  au- 
thority and  confidence  blended. 

"  Yes,  sir,"  lowly  and  submissively  replied  Peter,  but  with 
a  merry  twinkle  of  his  eyes. 

The  next  occasion  in  which  Peter  was  brought  particularly 
to  my  notice,  was  a  day  or  two  after,  when,  as  I  was  passing 
along  the  lower  hall,  I  came  ujwn  him  and  the  other  waiter 
at  table,  a  girl  of  fourteen,  named  Narcissus,  both  of  whom 
were  trying  to  spell  out  the  reading  on  a  bottle  of  pepper 
sauce. 
20 


114  HOSPITAL     PENCILLTNGS. 

"  Can  you  read  ?  "  was  the  query. 

"  No,  leastwise  only  a  little,  ivish  I  could''  added  Narcissus, 
heartily.  And  Peter  said  "  I  can  read  some,  but  I  don't  have 
nobody  now,  what'll  listen  to  my  readin.' " 

"  Do  you  have  time  to  read  ?" 

''  Yes,  we'se  a  mighty  heap  o'time  evenings,  after  the  dishes 
is  done." 

"  I  don't  know  that  I  shall  be  here  over  three  days,"  I  said, 
"  but  possibly  a  week  or  so,  and  while  here,  will  hear  you 
read  each  evening.  What  time  shall  I  come  to  the  dining- 
room  ?  " 

''  Right  after  tea,"  they  said,  "  right  after  the  folks  has 
gone  up  stairs." 

So  that  evening,  I  heard  them  read,  unthinkingly,  before 
the  dishes  were  washed.  But  as  I  was  leaving  the  room, 
"  Miss  Lu  Palmer,"  the  elder  sister  of  Narcissus,  reminded 
me  of  the  better  way,  by  saying : 

"  Miss  P ,  if  I  were  you  I  wouldn't  hear  these  yere 

lessons,  till  they'd  washed  up  their  dishes.  They'd  hurry 
if  they  know'd  they'd  have  to  wait  till  afterward,  and  you  know 
dese  yere  colored  folks  don't  like  to  work  none  too  well,  no 
how." 

I  confessed  that  she  was  right  about  the  work  being  done 
first ;  and  thereafter  it  was  dispatched  with  a  will  each  eve- 
ning, the  "  sooner  to  get  at  the  lessons,"  as  they  said. 

They  have  manifested  the  same  spirit  ever  since,  and  learn 
rapidly.  Narcissus  said  one  evening,  "  I  don't  know  Miss  — 
that  I've  got  my  lesson,  but  its  all  the  time  I  could  get,  I've 
been  a  learnin'  of  it ;  and  last  night  after  you'd  done  gone 
hearing  us  read,  I  studied  the  lesson  right  smart,  and  then 
dreamed  about  it  all  night." 

And  one  evening  while  Peter  was  battling  like  a  hero  with 
the,  to  him,  formidable  task  of  spelling  the  word   "  occupy." 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  115 

I  could  but  help  wishing  some  of  those  believers  in  the  uni- 
versal stupidity  and  carelessness  of  the  race,  miglit  have  been 
listeners.  Something  very  like  the  following  they  might 
have  heard ! 

The  word  "  occupy,"  is  pronounced. 

Peter  hesitates  a  little,  then  with  the  voice  and  look  of  one 
who  determined  to  make  one  good,  bold  attempt  with  liis  best 
judgement,  and  trust  to  luck,  says  0-k  oc  q-u-i  cu  p-i  py,  oc- 
cupy." 

'^  Oh,  no  ;  don't  you  remember  what  other  letter  I  told  you, 
has  the  sound  of  k  ?  " 

Peter  don't  remember,  so  many  new  things  he  has  been 
told.  "  Well,  now,  think  how  you  can  spell  "  oc,"  without 
saying  o-k." 

No  enlightenment  dawns  on  Peter's  mind,  though  he  makes 
two  or  three  bold  attempts,  to  show  his  good  will. 

"  Well,  Peter,  spell  cow." 

He  does  so  correctly. 

"  Now  don't  you  see  that  we  could  spell  that  in  this  way, 
k-o-w  ?  " 

Peter  sees  that,  as  the  word  is  spelled  both  ways  for  him 
and  pronounced  the  same.  It  is  then  applied  to  the  syllable 
"  oc,"  and  so  much  is  accomplished.  Peter  has  acquired  a 
mastery,  has  obtained  a  new  idea,  and  he  takes  a  long  breath 
for  he  has  scarcely  breathed  during  the  time,  and  his  eyes 
look  as  if  proudly  conscious  that  he  had  mounted  another 
round  on  the  ladder  of  knowledge.  The  word  is  again  jDro- 
nounced.  The  first  syllable  is  spelled  correctly,  but  "  q-u-i  p-i," 
is  the  only  reasonable  way  the  sinking  Peter  thinks  the  word 
can  be  finished. 

Teacher  pronounced  the  syllable  ''cu,"  phiinly,  saying: 
''q-u-i  spells  qui,  not  cu,  spell  cu^ 

"  K-u  cu,"  responds  hopefuL 


116  HOSPITAL     PENXILLINGS. 

"  K  you  say,  what  other  letter  has  the  sound  of  k.  ?" 

He  "  don't  know." 

"  How  did  you  just  spell  oc  ?  " 

"  0-k  ?  "  in  a  questioning  tone,  says  the  pupil. 

"  Oh,  no,  you've  forgotten,  you've  so  much  to  learn  :"  and 
the  explanation  is  gone  over  again,  and  the  sound  of  c  for  k 
requested  for  the  second  syllable,  also. 

He  looks  out  of  all  patience  at  his  own  dulness,  but  heroi- 
cally returns  to  the  charge.  This  time  he  gets  both  syllables 
right,  but  ends  as  before  with  p-i. 

"  Now,  Peter,  you've  worked  like  a  major,  and  its  all  right 
except  one  little  letter  i.  Now  put  on  your  thinking  cap,  and 
hunt  up  some  letter  to  use  instead  of  z." 

Peter  "  reckons  a,"  will  answer. 

He  is  advised  to  spell  lady,  and  does  so  correctly.  "  Now 
could  not  you  have  spelled  that  1-a-d-i  and  pronounced  it 
lady?" 

He  "  reckons  so,"  and  is  advised  to  use  the  same  substitute 
in  the  other  word.  It  is  at  last  accomplished  ;  and  after  sun- 
dry mistakes  in  each  syllable,  during  which  he  exclaims, 
*  Now  don't  tell  me,  I  ivill  have  that,"  I'll  get  it  right  this  time 
shore,''  the  whole  word  is  sj^elled  correctly,  and  re-spelled  re- 
peatedly during  the  evening,  and  he  enthusiastically  exclaims  : 

"Well,  that's  the  toughest  word  shore  I'se  ever  a  holt  on, 
an'  I'll  never  forget  it  long  's  /  live." 

Peter's  history  is  not  uninteresting.  Here  it  is  :  "  My  mas- 
ter's name  was  Jim  Brazier,  an'  I  lived  eight  miles  from  Tul- 
lahoma.  My  mother  was  sickly  a  long  time,  and  missus 
wouldn't  let  her  stop  workin'  no  how.  An'  one  day  wen» 
she's  so  weak,  she  let  a  big  pitcher  fall  ont'  de  floor  and  brokt 
it,  and  master  sent  her  to  de  whipj^in'-house,  an'  she  died  that 
night.  I  slept  wid'  her,  an'  she  told  me  wen  she  comed  to 
bed,  dat  she  t'ought  if  she  went   to  sleep  she'd  never  wake. 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  117 

An'  in  de  mornin'  wen  I  waked,  she  was  stone  dead.  Dey 
neber  said  anyting  to  me  'bout  what  killed  her,  dey  knowed 
berry  well  dat  I  knowed  de  reason.  Atter  de  war  brokt  out, 
dey  telled  me  dat  I  mustn't  go  near  the  Yankees,  for  dat  dey 
"  had  horns^'  jist  as  if  I'd  not  sense  'nough  to  know  better  nor 
dot  I  An'  dey  tole  me  I  must  keep  'way  from  dem,  else  dey'd 
cut  off  my  ears  and  hang  me  on  a  tree.  But  arter  dey'd 
whipped  me  and  hung  me  up  by  my  thumbs,  for  bitin'  missus, 
when  she  had  me  down  on  de  floor  an'  Avas  poundin  me  'cause 
1  didn't  sweep  clean,  I  runned  away." 

"  I'd  been  wid  master  three  times  wen  he'd  been  to  camp 
to  sell  api^les  and  things  to  the  Yankees,  an'  so  I  knowed 
whar  to  go.  So  one  night  I  tuk  one  o'  marster's  bosses  an' 
put  a  bridle  on  him,  an'  rode  him  most  to  camp,  so  near,  I 
I  could  hear  de  pickets ;  den  I  fixed  up  de  bridle,  arter  I  got 
off,  an'  set  him  off  on  a  right  smart  trot  toward  home,  an'  hid 
in  de  bushes.  Den  I  waited  till  mornin',  which  corned  pretty 
soon,  an'  I  tole  de  picket  I  wanted  to  come  in  camp.  He  let 
me  in,  an'  I'se  roun'  two  or  three  days,  wen  Dr.  Woodward 
said  he'd  see  to  the  keer  o'  me,  an'  he  has  ever  since.  He 
brought  me  here.  He's  allays  been  right  good  to  me,  an 
never  gin  me  a  cross  word." 

I  found,  upon  conversing  with  Dr.  W.,  that  this  was  a  truth- 
ful account,  as  far  as  could  be  ascertained.  One  morning, 
soon  after.  Dr.  W.  announced  to  Peter  that  his  former  master 
had  just  been  hanged  as  a  guerrila.  The  account  was  in  the 
morning  paper. 

"  Glad  of  it,"  said  Peter,  emphatically ;  "  I'd  a  ben  glad  ef 
dat  ar'  had  a  happened  afore.  He  made  me  carry  letters  to 
the  rebels  tellin'  'em  all  'bout  whar  de  Yankees  was,  an'  a 
pretendin'  all  de  time  to  be  a  good  Unioner.  Hanging  good 
^novgh  for  him." 

This  last,  I  also  learned,  from  the  doctor  was  the  truth,  for 


118  HOSPITAL     PEN'CILLIXGS. 

Peter  had  guided  our  peojile  to  the  hiding  phice  of  these  clan- 
destine letters,  which  were  captured. 

Sunday,  16. 

Yesterday  called  at  Rail-road  hospital,  also  at  hospital  No.  8. 
At  the  latter  place  found  one  young  man  from  P^ast  Tennessee 
whose  father  was  shot  when  Lincoln  was  elected,  and  his 
house  burned.  One  brother  was  killed  at  Gettysburg,  and  of 
the  rest  of  the  family  eleven  in  number,  a  mother  and  brothers, 
he  can  obtain  no  trace.     He  is  a  collegiate  graduate. 

Found  in  the  person  of  another  patient,  Emery  Owen,  of 
Fairfield,  Ohio,  a  Good  Templar  brother. 

To-day,  upon  returning  from  forenoon  service,  found  the 
expected  telegram.  I  take  the  early  morning  train  for 
Louisville. 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  119 


CHAPTER 

Jeffersox  Hospital, 
Jeffersonville,  Ixd.,  October  18,  1864. 

This  large,  new  hospital  is  located  on  a  bend  of  the  Ohio 
river,  just  across  from  Louisville. 

It  is  built  on  the  plan  of  the  "  Pavilion,"  like  the  Chestnut 
Hill  hospital,  of  Philadelphia.  The  sick  wards  are  of  one 
story,  twenty -four  in  number,  and  radiate  from  a  circular  cover- 
ed corridor,  like  the  spokes  of  a  wheel.  This  circular  corri- 
dor is  half  a  mile  in  extent,  and  fifteen  feet  in  width,  enclos- 
ed upon  the  sides,  and  provided  with  windows  and  doors. 
Within  the  circle  are  the  buildings  of  the  executive  de23art- 
ment,  rooms  of  surgeons,  full  and  light  diet  kitchens,  dis- 
pensary, dead-house,  post-office,  printing-office  and  chapel. 
Crossing  this  circle  and  leading  to  these  central  buildings  are 
two  covered  corridors  which  cross  each  other  in  the  centre  at 
right  angles. 

Each  ward  is  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  in  length  by  twen- 
ty-two in  width,  and  contains  fifty-nine  beds  for  patients.  To 
the  rear  of  each  ward,  is  attached  one  small  room  for  ward- 
master,  another  for  clothing,  besides  a  bath-room  and  closet. 
In  front  of  each  ward,  is  attached  a  little  dining-room  and 
pantry.  In  the  latter  place  the  diet  is  dealt  out  for  the  pa- 
tients. This  is  brought  hot  from  the  kitchens,  in  covered  tin 
cans,  in  a  little  hand-cart  on  wheels,  upon  which  is  marked  the 
number  of  the  ward. 

Thus  one  might  live  here  for  months  and  not  go  out  from 
under  cover,  be  very   hard  at  work,  and  walk  several  miles 


120  HOSPITAL     PENCILLIXGS. 

each  day.  That  cleanUness  is  essential  to  health,  seems  to  be 
a  prominent  idea,  and  the  wards  and  corridors  undergo  a 
scrubbing  twice  a  week,  and  mopping  as  often  besides,  which 
gives  a  neat  and  wholesome  air  throughout.  Upon  the  arrival 
of  jDatients  they  are  disrobed  of  their  dusty  if  not  filthy  cloth- 
ing, it  is  rolled  up,  a  check  given  for  it  and  it  is  packed  away 
in  the  baggage-room,  together  with  their  arms,  if  any.  They 
are  provided  with  clean  hospital  clothing  and  a  clean  bed, 
which  is  changed  each  week. 

The  laundry  is  a  building  separate,  and  some  distance  from 
the  hospital,  upon  the  immediate  bank  of  the  river.  This  is 
supplied  with  some  twenty  or  thirty  large,  bare-armed  water 
Deities,  who  probably  swam  over  from  the  emerald  isle. 

One  of  the  wards  contains  the  large  dining-hall  for  the 
ward-masters,  nurses  and  guards,  a  smaller  one  for  the  stew- 
ards' mess,  and  opposite,  another  for  the  ladies'  mess.  Above 
these  are  sleeping-rooms,  two  of  which  are  occupied  by  the 
lady  nurses.  It  is  in  contemplation  to  supply  each  of  the 
twenty-four  wards  with  one  of  these  last-named  dignitaries. 
A  few  are  without,  some  to  their  professed  grief  and  vexation 
of  spirit. 

Saturday,  22. 

The  afternoon  of  my  arrival,  attended  funeral  service  in 
ward  23,  of  Private  Isaiah  Lusby,  Co.  I.  9th  Ohio  Cavalry. 
Chaplain  Fitch,  of  the  regular  service,  and  former  tutor  to 
Secretary  Stanton,  spoke  well  and  briefly  from  the  words, 
"  As  much  as  lieth  in  you  live  peaceably  with  all  men."  Lan- 
guage implied  that  a  man  might  burn  and  rob  property  for 
you  and  it  would  not  lie  in  you  to  live  peaceably  with  him 
and  that  a  good  and  just  Government  might  have  rebellious 
subjects. 

We  have  no  stove   in  our  sleeping  or  dining-rooms,  and 


HOSPITAL     PEXCILLINGS.  121 

really  suffer  with  cold.  We  occupy  the  single,  iron,  army 
bedsteads  with  hard  husk  beds ;  but  these  discomforts  are 
doubly  counterbalanced  by  the  pleasure  of  ministering  to  the 
comfort  of  the  sick  boys. 

This  P.  M.  rode  over  to  Clay  Hospital,  branch  C,  expec- 
ting* to  take  the  place  of  the  matron  Miss  Wells,  while  she  is 
absent  on  a  thirty  days  furlough.  But  as  she  was  going 
ostensibly  to  take  an  invalid  soldier  to  his  home  in  Michigan, 
and  as  all  of  the  IVIichigan  boys  are  going  home  to  vote,  some 
twenty  from  that  hospital,  the  surgeon  says  that  twenty  can 
take  care  of  one,  and  her  services  are  needed  in  the  wards. 
Returned,  and  am  assigned  to  duty  to  Ward  1. 

One  lady  came  here  a  few  days  since,  who  staid  only  two 
days.  She  was  "  not  used  to  any  such  fare,  such  cold  rooms, 
and  couldn't  work  for  any  such  pay."  There  are  others  here 
who  do  not  work  for  the  "  pay,"  but  for  something  higher 
and  better. 

Tuesday,  25. 

Have  been  learning  of  my  duties,  and  getting  acquainted 
with  patients.  On  Sunday  eve  had  singing  in  my  ward. 
Mrs.  Rhodes  of  the  gangrene  ward,  Mr.  Wheeler,  and  some 
four  or  five  of  the  convalescents  sang  "  Homeward  Bound," 
"  Oh,  Sing  to  me  of  Heaven,"  "  Rest  for  the  Weary,"  "  Shin- 
ing Shore,"  and  "  Rock  of  Ages,"  to  the  evident  and  warmly- 
expressed  gratification  of  all.  Think  we  shall  try  to  inaugur- 
ate the  practice  in  other  wards,  it  seems  to  do  the  boys  so 
much  good. 

On  Monday,  one  was  taken  from  my  ward  to  the  gangrene 
tents.  His  arm  was  in  a  bad  condition  from  impure  vaccina- 
tion, and  now  the  gangrene  has  appeared.  It  is  said  to  be 
worse  than  a  wound  to  heal.  Three  of  the  worst  patients 
21 


122  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

complained  of  wounds  smelling  so  badly  that  it  kept  them 
nauseated.  Procured  the  last  couple  of  handkerchiefs  from 
sanitary  stores,  and  a  piece  of  old  muslin  which  I  hemmed, 
and  saturated  all  with  cologne,  which  had  kindly  been  do- 
nated for  the  purpose,  by  "  Gale  Brothers,"  of  Chicago.  Two 
received  them  with  simply  thanks  and  smiles,  but  the  third,  a 
Pennsylvanian  exclaimed, enthusiastically  :  "Oh  !  my  gracious, 
now  if  that  ain't  nice.  You  couldn't  please  me  better  than  to 
bring  that  there,  it  'ill  kill  all  tlie  smell  sure,  of  my  arm.  I  al- 
lays was  sich  a  feller  for  cologne  and  hair  ile  and  all  sorts  of 
scentin'  stuff,  when  I  was  to  home  ! " 

At  present  there  are  thirty-seven  patients  in  my  ward, 
twenty-three  of  whom  are  wounded.  There  is  but  one  just 
now  who  it  is  thought  will  not  recover.  He  was  shot  through 
the  upper  portion  of  left  lung,  has  a  bad  cough,  no  appetite 
and  is  emaciated.  Plis  parents  live  only  about  eight  miles 
distant,  on  the  Kentucky  side.     We  call  him  Willie. 

There  are  no  others  who  cannot  sit  up,  if  onlyfor  a  short  time, 
while  the  majority  are  able  to  do  so  considerable,  and  to  walk 
about.  Still,  were  almost  any  of  them  at  a  northern  home, 
and  transferred  into  "  our  boy,"  or  "  my  husband,"  he  would 
enlist  the  care  and  sympathy  of  a  neighborhood ;  and  justly 
so,  unless  the  kindness  should  have  the  effect  it  did  on  our 
dining-room  boy,  who  says  he  was  never  sick  until  since  he 
went  home,  after  being  in  the  service  three  years,  when  he 
'*  ate  himself  sick." 

Upon  first  entering  the  ward,  after  being  assigned  to  duty, 
found  one  man  who  was  bitter  against  red  tape,  nurses  and 
surgeons  in  general,  and  his  own  in  particular.  Said  he : 
"  Didn't  have  anything  fit  to  eat,  guessed  the  nurses  got  it 
all,  the  doctor  was  as  m.ean  as  he  could  be,  and  hadn't  been 
near  him  for  two  days." 

I  found  that  he  was  excited  and  half-crazed  with  the  chills. 


HOSriTAL    PENCILLINGS.  123 

and  hope  deferred.  He  said  he  had  been  in  the  service  three 
years,  that  Government  is  owing  him  $232,  but  could  not  get 
his  descriptive  roll  to  draw  it,  as  his  captain  was  lying  at  the 
point  of  death.  His  wife  was  needing  money,  and  he  wanted  to 
get  that  which  by  a  recent  law  is  due  him,  without  descriptive 
rolf,  viz  :  $32,  and  he  also  wanted  a  transfer  to  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  but  he  "  Didn't  expect  to  get  anything,  Government 
had  got  the  service  out  of  him,  and  that  was  all  it  cared  about, 
nobody  cares  for  me,  I'm  only  a  private.'' 

Soothed  him  by  promising  all  I  could  do,  excused  remiss- 
ness in  others,  from  over  care  and  work,  and  promised  to  in- 
tercede for  a  transfer  to  Ohio,  and  his  paj^  The  next  mor- 
ning, while  dealing  out  diet  in  the  little  pantry,  his  plate  was 
sent  back  full.  Upon  going  to  him,  to  find  out  the  trouble,  as 
the  food  was  such  as  I  had  ordered  at  his  request,  light,  warm 
corn-bread,  butter,  eggs,  fruit  and  coffee,  found  him  sitting  in 
a  sullen  mood  by  the  stove,  and  would  neither  have  that  nor 
anything  else,  had  "  eaten  all  he  wanted."  The  surgeon 
came  in,  soon  after,  and  told  him  he  had  put  his  name  down 
for  a  transfer  to  Ohio.  I  learn  that  he  has  been  so  near  de- 
ranged, that  one  night,  not  long  since,  he  jumped  out  of  the 
wmdow,  ran  to  Ward  2,  and  reported  that  they  abused  him  so 
he  could  not  stay.     Poor  fellow,  home  is  the  medicine  for  him. 

Tuesday,  November  1. 

Visited  gangrene  tents  to  find  four  patients  from  my  ward, 
who  say  they  wish  to  be  considered  patients  of  Ward  1,  and 
shall  expect  to  be  looked  after,  occasionally,  by  the  lady  ma- 
tron of  said  ward.  I  never  saw  or  scarcely  imagined  such 
suffering  as  the  poor  fellows  undergo  from  the  application  of 
bromine,  and  do  not  wonder  they  have  christened  the  place 
"  purgatory." 

It  will  be  necessary  to  imbibe  a  little  more  of  the  heroic, 


124  HOSPITAL    TENCILLINGS. 

before  I  can  be  of  much  helji  during  an  operation.  The 
red  and  swollen  elbow  of  the  arm  which  may  yet  fall  a  vic- 
tim to  impure  vaccination,  w^as  resting  in  my  hand,  while  the 
nurse  proceeded  to  take  off  the  oakum  w^hich  had  been  satur- 
ated w^ith  bromine,  and  then  to  pick  oif  from  the  side  of  the 
raw  wound,  the  burnt  pieces  of  flesh,  with  a  pair  of  j^incers. 
I  could  have  seen  this  done  if  it  had  not  hurt  anybody,  but 
when  the  sick  man  began  to  cry  for  mercy  and  his  elbow 
quivered  in  my  palm,  everything  began  to  grow  strangely 
dark,  and  knowing  from  past  experience,  that  they  might 
have  another  patient  to  care  for,  in  a  moment  more,  I  drop- 
ped the  arm  into  the  hand  of  Mrs.  R.  and  mentally  calling 
upon  the  heroism  of  all  the  braves  I  had  ever  heard,  reeled 
to  the  tent  opening,  pulled  back  the  curtain,  and  in  a  moment 
things  grew  lighter.  All  laughed  at  me,  even  to  the  patient ; 
but  it  isn't  to  be  exjiected  that  a  Yankee  school-ma'am  can  be 
transformed  into  a  dissecting  surgeon  in  a  minute,  guess  it 
will  take  about  a  fortnight. 

At  the  request  of  patients,  had  a  sing  in  the  tents  that  eve. 
On  Sunday  attended  funeral  service  of  a  soldier  by  the  name 
of  Rogers.     In  the  evening,  attended  church  service  in  town. 

Evening. 

Just  after  tea,  the  following  letter  was  sent  to  me  from  one 
of  the  patients,  addressed  to  "  Lady  Matron,  Ward  1." 

Miss :  I  was  informed  by  a  gentleman  last  eve.  that  you  re- 
ported me  as  being  drunk  and  boisterous.  Is  it  possible  that  a 
lady  of  your  qualifications,  capable  of  adorning  the  best  of 
society,  can  so  far  forget  herself,  as  to  report  one  for  such  an 
offence,  without  even  admonishing  him  of  the  wrong  he  has 
committed,  and  to  what  it  will  lead,  if  followed  up  ?  Perhaps 
that  one  has  a  lovely  wife,  the  companion  of  his  childhood, 
and  now  linked  to  him  by  closer  ties,  with  all  her  future  hap- 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  125 

piness  depending  on  the  character  of  her  husband  ?  Would 
you  knowingly  mar  her  happiness  without  even  raising  a 
warning  voice  to  the  one  to  whom  she  has  risked  her  all  ? 
Oh  !  I  cannot  believe  that  you  would  be  so  cruel  to  one  you 
never  saw,  or  to  one  you  have  seen.  There  must  be  a  mis- 
take somewhere,  hence  you  will  excuse  me  for  taking  this 
mode  of  asking  you,  not  in  my  behalf,  but  in  the  behalf  of 
those  friends  that  are  near  and  dear  to  me.  Please  inform 
me  of  the  truth  of  the  matter. 

Yours,  in  haste, 
{Signed)  ." 

Have  written  the  following  reply  which  will  be  lain  upon 
my  little  stand,  in  the  morning,  where  the  other  letters  are 
placed,  and  where  he  will  find  it,  though  there  are  so  few 
called  by  their  right  names  here,  tliat  I  havn't  the  least  idea 
who  he  is  : 

"  Mr. ,  Dear  Sir,  I  received  a  note  from  you  last  eve, 

in  which  you  say  you  were  informed  by  a  gentleman  that  on 
Sunday  evening,  I  rej^orted  you  at  head-quarters  for  drunk- 
enness and  boisterous  conduct. 

It  is  all  a  mistake.  I  have  reported  no  one,  neither  have 
caused  any  one  to  be  reported.  It  would  be  necessary  to 
know  the  person  l)y  name,  before  he  could  be  so  reported ; 
and  the  only  one  I  have  even  suspected  of  having  drank  too 
much,  in  my  ward,  is  one  whose  name  I  do  not  know.  That 
person  may  or  may  not  be  yourself;  but  it  has  not,  by  me 
been  so  reported.  If  it  was  done  by  any  one,  probably  some 
man  has  done  it,  who  like  Adam,  was  not  noble  enough  to 
take  any  part  of  the  responsibility  upon  himself,  but  like  him 
could  say  : 

'  The  ivoman  that  was  given  to  be  with  us,  she  did  it  ? ' 
But  Sir,  you  do  not  deny  the  fact  of  being  in  that  condition ; 
22 


126  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

and  perha2:)S  the  one  who  reported  you,  if  indeed  you  have 
been  reported,  which  I  doubt,  considered  it  a  duty,  and  it 
might  have  been. 

You  say  I  ought  first  to  have  raised  a  warning  voice  to 
you  for  the  sake  of  that  wife.  Let  me  do  this  now.  You 
are  still  sensitive — still  careful  of  your  reputation  for  the  sake 
of  that '  dear  wife.'  Let  me  beseech  you  as  a  friend  to  ab- 
stain entirely  and  at  once  from  the  use  of  liquor  in  whatever 
form.  Look  not  upon  the  red  of  the  wine-cup.  Be  a  strong, 
noble  man — strong  to  overcome  the  temptation,  nobly  bat- 
tling against  it,  that  if  you  conquer  you  may  be  '  greater 
than  he  who  taketh  a  city.'  I  am  a  member  of  the  Order  of 
Good  Templars, — therefore  the  more  interested  for  you.  If 
at  any  time  you  wish  any  advice  or  sympathy  in  my  power 
to  give,  while  battling  against  this  sin,  do  not  hesitate  to  speak 
or  write  to  me.  In  conclusion,  after  beseeching  you  not  to 
entertain  the  idea  that  a  soldier's  life  necessarily  calls  for 
liquors,  I  will  quote  those  beautiful  lines  for  you  of  Dr.  Hol- 
land's, on  the  subject  of  Temptation : 

'  God  loves  not  sin,  nor  I, 
But  ia  the  throng  of  eA'ils  which  assail  us, 
There  are  none  which  yield  their  strength 

To  Virtue's  struggling  arm,  with  such  munificent  reward  of  power 
As  great  Temptations.     We  may  win  by  toil,  endurance ; 
Saintly  fortitude  by  pain  ;  by  sickness,  patience  ; 
Faith  and  trust  by  fear :  but  the  great  stimulus  which  spurs  to  life 
And  crowds  to  generous  development. 
Each  chastened  power  and  passion  of  the  soul, 
Is  the  Temptation  of  the  soul  to  sin, 
Besisted  and  reconquered,  evermore' 

Yours  for  reformation, 

{Signed)  ." 

Wednesday,  16. 

On  Saturday  evening  a  printed  order  was  sent  to  each  of 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLIXGS.  127 

the  wards,  that  the  "  surgeons  thereof  must  send  in  the  diet 
lists  each  morning,  in  their  own  hand-writing,  as  it  was  feared 
in  some  instances  the  lady  nurses  were  allowed  to  make  them 
out." 

The  next  morning  the  ward  surgeon  copied  the  one  I  had 
prepared  and  sent  it  in  his  own  hand-writing.  I  am  making 
out  "  Morning  Reports,"  also  of  number  of  patients — sick  or 
wounded — from  what  hospitals,  &c.  Had  just  finished  one 
on  Monday  eve  when  seven  new  patients  arrived.  Made  out 
new  one,  when  the  surgeon  told  me  to  copy  his  signature  and 
sign  it,  which  I  did.  Yesterday  morning  Dr.  C.  made  out 
the  diet  list,  and  put  two  of  the  worst  patients  on  full  diet. 
Finally,  after  convincing  him  of  the  fact,  he  asked  me  to  sit 
down  and  he  wrote  while  I  dictated,  thus  complying  with  the 
letter  of  the  order,  while  the  spirit  was  best  carried  out. 

Several  wounded  men  who  are  obliged  to  lie  in  bed  all  the 
time,  have  been  for  some  time  sadly  in  want  of  hair  matrasses. 
There  are  a  plenty  in  the  store-room,  but  they  have  refused 
the  request  of  the  ward  master  and  nurse,  even  with  the  order 
of  the  surgeon.  They  say  they  are  keeping  them  against  the 
arrival  of  other  patients.  But  four  of  my  boys  were  suffering 
so  much  for  them  I  obtained  the  order  from  the  surgeon,  went 
to  the  store-room  and  left  the  order,  and  a  request  that  I  might 
be  allowed  to  send  down  my  own  mattrass — which  one  of  the 
elder  ladies  had  managed  to  obtain  for  four  of  us — in  case  we 
could  not  get  those  at  the  store-room,  to  the  surgeon-in-charge 
Dr.  Goldsmith.  The  clerk  would  not  let  them  go,  without 
first  seeing  him,  but  in  about  two  hours  the  clerk  came  over  to 
give  the  ward-master  a  piece  of  his  mind  for  letting  a  woman 
interfere  in  the  matter.  But  he  was  reminded  that  the  trial 
had  been  made  by  himself  to  no  purpose,  and  I  didn't  care 
how  he  felt  about  it  when  I  saw  the  smiling  faces  and  heard 
the  warm  expressions  of  the  poor  sufferers,  when  they  were 
moved  on  their  nice,  soft  beds. 


128  HOSPITAL    PENCILLIXGS. 

Kov.  17,  IN  "Ward  1. 

I  steal  a  few  moments  to  write,  while  surrounded  by  pa- 
tients who  are  walking,  talking,  asking  questions,  etc.,  which 
certainly  does  not  have  a  beneficial  effect  upon  composition. 

We  had,  this  morning,  every  bed  full — thirty-nine  sick  and 
twenty  wounded.  But  since  then  have  had  a  fresh  arrival  of 
several  hundred  jDatients  at  the  hospital ;  consequently  those 
who  have  been  detailed  for  nurses  or  attendants  in  my  ward 
must  give  up  their  beds  and  sleep  in  tents.  This  is  all  right 
— I  am  glad  to  have  the  ward  filled  up  again.  During  the 
furlough  to  vote  we  had  but  seventeen  patients,  and  now  have 
but  three,  who  are  too  sick  to  sit  up  a  part  of  the  time  at 
least.  But  there  are  some  four  or  five  others  whose  wounds 
oblige  them  to  lie  in  bed.  Willie's  appetite  is  better  and  we 
hope  he  is  really  getting  well. 

Beside  duties  previously  mentioned  I  have  been  engaged  in 
others.  I  have  charge  of  the  diet — assist  each  meal  in  dealing 
it  out.  I  have  covered  crutches,  ripped  up  arm  slings,  washed 
and  made  them  over,  gone  to  commissary  with  order  from 
doctor  for  material  for  pads  for  wounded  or  amputated  limbs, 
and  manufactured  the  same.  I  petition,  and  thus  commence 
the  transfer  or  furlough  of  one  or  the  pay  of  another.  I 
write  letters  for  my  patients,  read  or  sing  for  them,  visit  or 
play  checkers  with  them,  occasionally,  to  make  them  think 
they  are  at  home  and  forget  they  are  sick.  Have  once,  through 
the  kindness  of  the  one  detailed  as  baker,  been  allowed  to 
make  some  cake  as  a  treat,  in  which  the  patients  of  Ward  2 
and  the  gangrene  tents  participated.  We  have  a  sing  in  the 
wards  about  twice  each  week.  The  convalescents  are  invited 
from  adjoining  wards  and  we  have  quite  a  crowd  and  pleasant 
time.  Every  ward  is  eager  for  its  sing.  I  have  also  bought 
some  cheap  prints,  put  on  moss  frames,  arranged   a  wreath  of 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  129 

autumn  leaves  on  white  paper,  and  have  tried  to  have  some- 
thing on  a  little  stand,  which  should  represent  or  bring  to 
mind  a  cabinet,  to  make  them  think  of  home.  In  short,  have 
tried  to  make  my  ward  look  as  Miss  B.  expressed  it,  "  as  if 
there  was  a  woman  in  it." 

The  surgeon,  ward-master  and  nurses  treat  me  with  the 
greatest  respect  and  consideration,  as  well  as  the  patients,  and 
I  am  certain  the  latter  appreciate  the  little  I  am  able  to  do 
for  them. 

But  the  bugle  has  just  blown  for  the  carts  to  start  for  the 
kitchen — they  will  soon  return — mine  first,  and  I  must  hasten 
to  the  little  pantry  to  deal  out  the  supper  for  the  sick  and 
w^ounded  boys. 

Saturday  Eve,  19. 

My  writing  progresses  slowly  of  late  and  is  often  interrupted, 
for  I  am  very  busy.  I  would  like  to  note  down  the  duties 
and  incidents  of  one  day  if  time  permitted,  but  can  only  select 
a  portion. 

Day  before  yesterday  was  gladdened  by  a  call  from  Rev. 
H.  M.  Miller,  Agent  of  Universalist  Army  Mission  and  his 
travelling  brother.  Rev.  Gilman,  Michigan  Agent.  I  regret 
that  he  cannot  be  allowed  to  preach  in  this  hospital.  This 
narrowness  of  relij^ious  thoue^ht  reminds  me  of  the  early  his- 
tory  of  an  own  father,  long  since  sleeping  in  a  western  wild- 
wood,  who  when  a  young  man  was  repeatedly  denounced  from 
the  pulpit  of  a  Baptist  divine,  who  cautioned  his  hearers  to 
beware  of  the  fascinations  of  that  Methodist  fanatic,  who  was 
setting  the  people  crazy  with  his  preaching.  Am  wondering 
how  many  years  it  will  be  before  people  can  worship  God 
according  to  the  dictates  of  their  own  consciences,  with  none 
to  molest.  How  many  before  Universalist  papers  can  be  given 
out  as  well  as  Methodist  ones   to  sick  men  who  prefer  them, 


130  HOSPITAL    PENCILLIXGS. 

instead  of  being  carefully  collected  and  torn  up  or  burned  by 
those  who  think  they  are  doing  God  service.  AYhat  a  pity 
that  so  few  who  fight  for  civil  liberty  know  so  little  of  relig- 
ious freedom.  But  such  is  humanity — boastful  of  God-given 
rights,  freedom  and  equality,  while  in  blissful  ignorance  of 
their  own  manacles. 

We  are  expecting  a  Thanksgiving  dinner  at  the  hospital 
next  Thursday,  for  the  setting  on  foot  of  which  we  are  in- 
debted to  the  efforts  of  our  kind  Chaplain  Fitch.  But  as  so 
many  citizens  in  Jeffersonville  and  Louisville  are  not  any  too 
loyal,  feel  somewhat  dubious  about  the  turkeys,  chickens  and 
pies  for  two  thousand  mouths.  Certain  it  is  that  the  boys 
would  a2:)preciate  a  good  dinner,  as  they  have  had  rather  short 
rations  of  late,  and  there  has  been  some  just  grumbling  by 
the  full  diet  patients.  And  yet  it  is  in  most  things  a  model 
hospital,  but  must  be  very  difficult  to  supply  so  large  a  moving 
population. 

Often,  I  see  the  time,  when  if  I  had  a  box  of  sanitary 
goods,  the  patients  could  be  made  more  comfortable.  It  might 
be  different  for  one  to  understand  why  this  should  be  needed 
in  a  hospital  of  such  resources  as  this,  and  will  note  a,  few 
instances. 

At  one  time  I  found  a  man  in  the  gangrene  tents  who  had 
not  had  a  clean  shirt  since  he  had  a  hand  amputated  five  days 
before.  The  garment  was  sj)otted  and  stiff  with  blood  of 
course,  and  he  had  repeatedly  asked  for  one,  but  had  been 
told  clothes  were  issued  but  once  a  week.  Had  I  a  box  con- 
taining such  an  article  he  should  not  have  waited  an  hour  before 
having^  one ;  as  it  was  he  did  wait  a  week.  The  ward-mas- 
ter  could  have  drawn  one  by  obtaining  an  order  from  the 
doctor. 

Two  men  in  my  ward  having  wounded  shoulders  could  get 
but  one  sleeve  on,  while  if  I  could  have  obtained  those  with 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  131 

open  sleeves,  tied  with  tape,  it  would  have  been  more  com- 
fortable for  them,  besides  2')resenting-  a  better  appearance  when 
sitting  up.  Two,  at  another  time,  could  think  of  nothing  they 
could  eat,  except  toast  and  canned  peaches  or  other  canned 
fruit;  but  although  I  obtained  an  order  from  the  sui'geon 
immediately,  I  could  not  obtain  the  fruit,  as  it  was  not  in  the 
sanitary  stores  for  a  week  afterward. 

Other  instances  in  which  I  could  have  made  good  use  of  a 
box  from  an  Aid  Society  have  occurred  several  times,  and  to- 
day when  a  man  needed  a  pair  of  woolen  socks.  We  have 
been  informed  for  the  past  two  weeks  that  it  was  of  no  use 
to  make  out  a  requisition  for  them,  as  they  have  none  to  issue. 
Some  three  pairs  for  the  most  needy  have  been  given  me  by 
a  lady  nurse  recently  from  the  North — a  contribution  from 
an  Aid  Society.  For  a  time  also,  we  were  destitute  of  hand- 
kerchiefs and  now  no  ginger  wine  can  be  jirocured.  Some- 
times a  poor  boy  thinks  if  he  only  had  a  little  butter  which 
came  from  the  North,  and  was  not  so  rancid  as  what  we  have 
here,  he  could  eat  something. 

A  couple  of  gentlemen  have  just  come  in  with  a  note-book, 
and  we  have  been  singing  for  the  invalids.  It  is  getting  some- 
w^hat  late  to  be  in  the  ward — about  eight,  and  I  must  close 
this  rambling  memoranda  for  this  time. 

MOXDAT.    21. 

Yesterday  witnessed  a  Sunday  morning  inspection  for  the 
first  time  in  our  ward.  The  bugle  sounded,  the  ward-master 
took  his  jDosition  by  the  open  door,  each  patient  who  was  able 
to  sit  up  took  his  place  by  the  side  of  his  bed,  and  the  nurses 
and  attendants  ranged  themselves  upon  each  side  near  the  door. 
When  the  surgeons  appeared,  at  the  word  of  "  Attention  ! " 
from  the  ward-master,  each  man  rose  to  his  feet  who  was  sit- 
ting but  able   to   stand,  and  the   Inspectors  marched  swiftly 


132  HOSPITAL    TENCILLINGS. 

through  the  ward  to  the  bath-room  and  back  through  the 
ward,  pausing  only  to  compliment  the  ward-master  upon  the 
"usual  fine  ap23earance  of  "Ward  1." 

The  corps  of  inspectors  varies  on  different  mornings,  but 
this  time  we  were  honored  by  the  presence  of  the  surgeon-in- 
charge,  Dr.  M.  Goldsmith,  the  executive  officer,  the  officer  of 
the  day  and  our  own  ward  surgeon.  The  first  sported  the 
gold  leaf  of  a  major,  the  officer  of  the  day  the  green  sash,  and 
all  the  gilt  stripes  and  buttons  of  the  medical  department,  and 
our  surgeon  the  U.  S.  upon  the  shoulder.  I  was  uncertain 
about  what  should  be  my  own  position,  having  thought  nothing 
about  it.  I  was  reading  to  my  sickest  man,  who  was  lying  in 
bed,  and  rose  to  my  feet  also  to  receive  our  guests  but  sat 
down  before  they  returned  from  the  bath-room.  Was  hon- 
ored by  a  lofty  bow  from  two  or  three  of  the  dignitaries. 
Determined  to  know  whether  I  ought  to  rise  or  not  before 
next  inspection  day  and  referred  the  matter  to  the  surgeon, 
who  said : 

"  It  is  the  soldiers  who  are  expected  to  rise  and  you  are  not 
a  soldier,  are  you  ?  " 

That  settled  the  matter,  the  dignified  matron  could  here- 
after sit  in  the  presence  of  her  betters. 

Wrote  four  letters  to-day  for  sick  men  and  have  commenced 
the  transfer  jDapers  of  Frank  N.  Button  to  Detroit,  Michigan. 
He  is  a  young  boy — has  been  here  five  months,  and  is  a  quiet, 
patient  sufferer.  His  left  limb  is  paralyzed  from  a  wound  in 
the  hip,  and  I  fear  will  always  be  useless.  He  has  not  stood 
on  his  feet  in  that  time  except  as  he  is  held  up.  I  have  written 
for  a  friend  of  his  to  come  for  him.  A  sing  in  Ward  1 
to-night. 

Eridat,  25. 

Well,  our   Thanks ojivinfr   dinner  was  a   success.     Nearlv 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  133 

three  hundred  turkeys  and  chickens  suffered  death  for  the 
good  of  their  country.  When  those,  and  the  five  hundred 
pies  were  cooked  and  placed  on  the  tables  in  the  large,  full- 
diet  kitchen  the  night  before,  I  mentally  confessed,  while 
viewing  them  through  the  window  from  the  corridor,  that 
were  I  one  of  a  regiment  of  hungry  soldiers  just  from '  the 
front,  I  might  possibly  stir  up  a  mutiny  to  make  a  raid  on  the 
kitchen  and  capture  them.  A  portion  of  the  dinner  was  the 
contribution  of  the  loyal  citizens,  and  about  one-third  was  fur- 
nished from  the  hospital  fund. 

The  chaplain  sent  for  me  as  usual  to  attend  funeral  service. 
To-day  it  was  in  Ward  15,  and  of  four  soldiers.  One  was 
that  of  George  W.  Odell,  28th  Michigan.  He  was  but  seven- 
teen, in  a  new  regiment  and  only  out  about  four  weeks.  He 
had  an  escort  of  eight  young  boys  of  his  company  who 
appeared  in  uniform,  with  white  gloves  and  reversed  arms. 
We  ladies  followed  next  to  the  coffins  in  the  procession  to  the 
ambulance.     The  latter  conveys  them  to  the  soldiers'  cemetery. 

It  is  with  us  only  "  a  funeral  service  "  of  "  one,  two,  three 
or  four,"  as  the  case  may  be,  "  in  "  such  a  "  ward."  The 
forward  coffin  bears  the  stars  and  stripes.  A  short  Episcopal 
service  is  held,  and  we  follow  to  the  ambulance.  But  we 
know,  though  fast  learning  to  ponder  less  upon  it,  that  some- 
where is  one  more  vacant  chair^  and  missing  voice  and  footstep, 
for  every  death  which  occurs  here,  and  sorrowing  hearts,  to 
whom  a  few  words  of  condolence  and  a  lock  of  hair,  sent  by 
some  matron,  or  the  official  blank  properly  filled  out  by  the 
chaplain,  comes  almost  as  a  mockery  in  place  of  the  dear  boy, 
or  husband,  or  father,  who  left  them  with  such  vigorous  health 
and  bearing  but  a  little  time  ago. 

"  And  yet,  and  yet,  wc  cannot  forget 
That  many  brave  boys  must  fall." 
23 


134  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

But    we    comfort  ourselves  with    the   thought   that   though 

"  Their  swords  do  rust,  and  their  steeds  are  dust, 
Their  souls  are  with  the  saints,  we  trust." 

MoxDAY  Eve,  28. 

Saturday  eve  had  singing  in  my  ward.  Benches  were  car- 
ried in.  Chaplain's  orderly,  Mr.  Bullard,  brought  in  and 
distributed  as  usual  the  little  army  hymn  books.  Patients 
were  invited  in  from  other  wards  ;  we  had  quite  a  crowd,  and 
a  pleasant  time.  Our  ward  surgeon  was  also  present,  with 
the  usual  singers,  viz..  Corporal  Patten,  Steward  Holt,  and 
Burroughs,  Wheeler,  Dupont,  Artillery,  Perry,  Payne,  and 
ladies  Dixon,  Lawson,  Hardy,  Rhodes  and  Sturgis. 

Yesterday  was  very  busy  all  day  in  ward,  with  new  arrival 
of  patients  from  Nashville.  Did  not  get  time  to  attend  ser- 
vice. Have  also  been  very  busy  to-day  with  same.  Have 
written  out  applications  for  transfer,  filled  out  medical  descrip- 
tive lists,  except  the  diagnosis,  and  have  written  out  orders  for 
money  to  be  paid  to  the  surgeon  for  patients  unable  to  get  to 
headquarters.  We  ladies  signed  the  pay-roll  yesterday  morn- 
ing. The  clerk  had  by  mistake  got  my  first  name  wrong  and 
had  to  sign  it  the  same.     Easy  way  of  changing  one's  name. 

We  have  one  singular  individual  who  goes  by  the  title  of 
"  Colonel."  He  came  with  the  transfer  of  patients  from 
Nashville,  which  consigned  ten  to  our  ward,  two  weeks  ago 
last  Wednesday. 

He  was  brought  in  on  the  shelf  wliich  was  taken  out  of  the 
ambulance  and  placed  hastily  upon  the  bed,  while  the  nurses 
hurried  out  for  more.  They  had  lain  his  head  below  the 
pillow  instead  of  on  it,  and  seeing  him  lie  thus  without  raising 
it,  though  he  ajjjDcared  to  make  some  ineffectual  attempts  to 
do  so,  I  went  to  him  to  assist,  and  asked  if  he  could  not  raise 
liimself  higher  and  on  the  pillow.     He  said  no,  that  his  limbs 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  135 

were  all  paralyzed  except  one  arm.  He  raised  liis  head  and 
I  put  the  pillow  under  it,  and  when  the  patients  were  all 
brought  in  had  the  nurses  lift  the  man  up  higher  in  the  bed. 
Soon  after,  when  accompanying  the  surgeon,  while  he  was 
making  out  the  cards  to  hang  in  the  little  tin  case  at  the  head 
of  each  bed,  the  patient  informed  him  in  a  confidential  tone 
that  he  wanted  his  name  entered  as  a  private,  as  the  boys  were 
always  jealous  of  an  officer  and  expecting  him  to  put  on  airs. 
But  that  he  was  colonel  of  an  Illinois  regiment.  Also  that 
he  had  been  robbed  of  his  satchel,  clothing,  regimentals  and 
$3700  by  the  ward-master  of  Ward  1,  Hospital  No.  8,  of 
Nashville. 

He  is  looked  upon  by  the  surgeon  and  others  either  as  an 
imposter  who  is  trying  to  "  play  off,"  as  they  style  it,  or  as 
crazed  from  the  effects  of  fever.  I  have  preferred  to  give  the 
latter  more  charitable  verdict  till  I  know  the  opposite,  and  in 
Bpite  of  some  opposition  have  treated  him  accordingly.  His 
appetite  has  been  perfectly  ravenous,  and  beside  supplying 
him  with  the  rations  of  two  or  three  men  each  meal  I  have 
bought  him  apples  and  cake  to  give  between  the  meals,  with 
money  given  for  that  purpose  by  his  brother,  who  has  been 
down  to  visit  him.  I  was  at  first  fearful  to  give  him  so  much 
and  did  not  until  he  cried  and  begged  for  it,  and  I  found  it 
did  not  seem  to  hurt  him.  Three  men's  rations  for  the  day, 
lately  are  nothing,  he  wants  and  gets  about  six. 

After  he  had  been  in  the  ward  several  days  and  been  liftei 
about  by  the  nurses,  as  though  helpless  as  a  babe,  it  was  con- 
fidently told  me  by  the  ward-master,  chief  nurse  and  others? 
that  it  was  their  belief  his  paralysis  was  mere  pretence.  He 
had  been  teasing  me  to  intercede  for  him  to  get  a  furlougl  > 
and  the  next  time  I  saw  him  he  repeated  the  request,  when  I 
informed  him  that  no  furloughs  were  given  to  such  as  were 
not  able  to  walk  to  an  ambulance  or  step  into  a  car,  and  tha 


136  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

as  soon  as  he  was  able  to  walk  about,  I  would  try  to  get  a 
furlough  for  .him.  That  I  wished  him  to  get  up  and  be 
dressed  that  afternoon,  and  sit  up  a  while,  and  do  so  each  day, 
and  try  to  use  his  limbs  and  perhaps  he  might  get  the  use  of 
them.  Told  him  that  I  would  come  in  the  ward  in  about  an 
hour  and  bring  some  work  to  sit  awhile,  and  hoped  to  find  him 
sitting  in  the  rocking-chair.  Went  at  the  time  and  found  him 
sitting  in  it  and  looking  rather  foolish,  and  I  fancied  then,  as 
from  the  first,  that  his  eyes  looked  as  if  he  had  been  imposing 
upon  our  credulity,  but  preferred  to  give  him  the  benefit  of 
the  doubt  and  think  him  half  crazed.  He  then  paid  some 
silly  comjjliments  about  ladies'  society  and  wished  me  to  sit 
near  enough  so  that  he  might  rest  his  feet  on  my  chair — 
"  they  were  weak  yet."  Asked  him  if  he  thought  he  could 
raise  them,  and  found  that  he  had  walked  from  his  bed  to  the 
chair.  There  were  many  others  near  and  who  heard  the 
request,  and  after  some  hesitation  I  preferred  treating  him 
like  a  sick  child,  and  turned  the  chair  so  that  he  could  jDut  his 
feet  upon  the  side  rounds.  The  next  day  he  sat  up  again  at 
my  request,  and  upon  the  next,  when  entering  the  ward,  found 
the  paralyzed  limbs  performing  a  sJmffie  to  accompany  a  tune 
he  was  humming.  I  expressed  my  satisfaction  that  he  was 
improving  so  rapidly  and  prophesied  a  furlough.  I  was  half 
temj^ted  to  prophecy  instead  a  return  to  the  front,  which 
would  no  doubt  have  taken  all  the  strength  away,  and  beside 
I  really  thought  his  mind  was  not  right  and  perhaps  a  visit 
home  might  restore  him. 

I  had  obtained  the  consent  of  the  doctor  to  put  his  name 
down  in  the  next  furloughs  which  were  granted,  when  last 
Saturday  he  became  angry  with  the  nurse  who  had  ordered 
him  to  use  the  spittoon  instead  of  floor,  and  ran  away  to  head- 
quarters. Said  he  wouldn't  stay  there  any  longer  and  wanted 
to  be  sent  to  another  ward.     While  I  was  away  he  was  trans- 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  137 

ferred  to  "Ward  6.  I  visited  him  there  yesterday,  and  found 
as  I  had  expected  he  would  be,  as  soon  as  recovered  from  his 
anger,  very  repentant,  and  sorrowful  that  he  M'as  there,  saying 
childishly,  "  No  other  ward  will  ever  seem  so  like  home — 
there's  no  lady  here,  but  whenever  I  wake  up  I  fancy  I  hear 
your  step  bringing  me  some  apples.  Won't  you  ask  the  doctor 
if  I  can  come  back?  "  I  promised  to  do  so,  for  the  poor  fellow 
was  shedding  tears,  but  the  doctor  says  he  ought  to  stay  there 
for  being  so  foolish. 

Friday  Eve,  December  2. 

Have  this  eve  parted  with  Frank — the  patient  mentioned 
under  date  of  November  21.  His  mother  and  a  gentleman 
both  came  for  him,  but  unknown  to  the  other.  Their  expres- 
sions of  gratitude  at  parting,  which  seemed  extravagant,  have 
done  me  good.  I  am  hearing  too  many  blessings  now-a-days 
from  sick  and  dying  men  to  be  in  doubt  any  longer  whether 
or  not  I  am  doing  good. 

Yesterday  felt  very  sad  that  one  of  the  patients  who 
desired  to  get  a  transfer  to  Mound  City,  Iowa,  near  his  home, 
was  instead  sent  to  Madison,  Indiana.  Had  I  known  of  the 
intention  before  the  name  was  sent  to  headquarters,  or  had 
the  surgeon  not  forgotten  about  the  transfer  through  the  mul- 
tiplicity of  his  duties,  it  would  not  have  been.  This  was  one 
trial,  but  the  worst  was  the  transfer  of  the  "  colonel "  at  the 
same  time.  It  was  too  bad.  I  petitioned  the  doctor  of  Ward 
6  in  vain.  Have  written  his  brother  where  to  find  him,  and 
supplied  the  "colonel"  with  paper  and  an  envelope  addressed 
to  myself,  and  he  has  promised  to  write  to  what  ward  he  is 
taken,  of  which  I  shall  inform  his  brother.  I  still  think  him 
half  crazed  from  the  effects  of  fever. 

Last  Wednesday  eve  occurred  the  very  pleasant  little  inci- 
dent in  my  ward  of  the  presentation  of  a  gold-headed  cane 
24 


138  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

and  gold  pen  from  the  }Datients  to  our  ward  surgeon — Dr.  J. 
M.  Chapman.  A  nice  little  speech  was  made  by  our  worthy 
Mr.  Bayne,  of  Philadelphia,  and  a  very  happy  impromptu 
reply  from  the  doctor. 

Friday,  Dec.  9. 

The  first  snow  of  the  season.  "Winter  has  really  come  to 
the  Ohio  valley. 

Much  public  excitement  in  Louisville.  Men  are  being  con- 
scripted, and  horses  impressed.  Several  thousand  soldiers 
have  just  been  sent  there,  as  they  anticipate  a  cavalry  raid 
from  the  rebels.  Hood  is  threatening  Nashville.  He  says 
he  "  is  ordered  either  to  go  into  Nashville,  or  to "  a  cer- 
tain very  warm  place.  Our  boys  think  he  will  get  into  the 
latter  place  first. 

One  night  last  week,  a  man  in  an  adjoining  room  had  the 
nightmare  and  woke  us  all  up  three  times.  At  the  last,  he 
was  taken  to  the  guard-house.  The  truth  was  he  was  intoxi- 
cated, and  it  was  also  the  third  offence.  He  was  sent  to  the 
front  next  day,  as  is  usual.  But  he  was  not,  as  was  laugh- 
ingly reported,  put  in  the  guard-house  and  sent  to  the  front 
for  having  the  nightmare. 

Yesterday  was  at  work  most  of  the  day  and  evening  on 
evergreen  wreaths  to  trim  the  ward.  Christmas  is  coming  ! 
I  have  plenty  of  help  from  the  ward-master,  chief  nurse  and 
convalescents.  How  kind  they  all  are.  I  receive  nothing  in 
my  ward  from  the  surgeon  down,  but  the  greatest  respect  and 
consideration.  Some  of  the  ladies  can  get  no  assistance,  but 
those  in  our  ward  are  ready  at  all  times  to  help. 

Friday,  16. 

The  first  death  in  my  ward,  since  my  coming,  occurred  last 
night.     It  was   that  of  Robert   Burnett,  of  Kentucky.     On 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  139 

Sunday  morning,  over  a  week  since,  I  found  him  lying  in  bed 
and  that  he  had  not  been  out  to  breakfiist,  as  he  had  done  the 
two  days  previous,  since  entering  the  ward. 

Upon  conversing  with  him  he  told  me  he  was  going  to  die. 
I  saw  that  he  was  excited  and  thought  he  was  nervous  and 
tried  to  quiet  him.  But  he  was  sure,  he  said,  that  he  should 
die,  "  he  understood  why  I  did  not  think  so,  and  appreciated 
what  I  said,  but  he  knew  he  was  going  to  die,  "  and  asked  if  I 
would  stay  by  him  whenever  I  could,  and  he  begged  for  a 
promise  that  I  would  be  by  him  and  "  watch  his  face  when  he 
died."  These  were  his  exact  words,  and  though  I  did  not 
think  he  was  dangerous  and  told  him  so,  yet  he  would  not  be 
pacified  till  I  promised  if  he  died  at  any  hour  when  we  were 
allowed  in  the  ward,  or  if  at  any  other,  and  he  was  conscious 
and  would  send  for  me,  I  would  be  with  him.  He  was  also 
concerned  for  the  future,  for  he  was  not  a  Christian,  he  said. 
I  read  for  him  from  the  Bible,  sang  for  him,  and  the  chaplain's 
orderly  came  and  prayed  with  him.  He  professed  afterward 
to  think  himself  prepared  to  die,  and  he  gradually  grew  worse 
each  day  until  he  died.  I  remained  with  him  until  late  last 
evening,  but  he  was  unconscious  else  I  should  have  remained 
until  his  death.  He  died  about  twelve.  I  had  written  to  his 
wife  the  first  day,  but  the  mails  are  interrupted  by  guerrilas. 
He  has  two  brother-in-laws  here,  who  have  started  home  v/ith 
his  body,  xit  the  funeral  service  we  sang  the  appropriate 
hymn, 

"  Oh  !  watch  my  dying  face, 
Wlien  I  am  called  to  die." 

Wednesday,  21. 

Transfers  and  furloughs  are  the  order  of  the  da}'.  Some 
twenty-five  hundred  have  been  transferred  from  Nashville  to 
this  hospital,  this  month.  From  fifty  to  two,  three  or  four 
hundred  are  transferred  from  here  at  one  time,  to  hospitals 


140  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

farther  north.  As  we  hear  that  those  are  pretty  well  filled, 
it  seems  just  the  time  to  give  as  many  sick  furloughs  as  possi- 
ble, thus  clearing  the  hospitals  for  those  unable  to  go  home. 
I  will  give  a  sketch  of  one  who  has  just  gone  home  on  a  sick 
furlough. 

His  name  is  King,  and  his  home  is  in  Beattyville,  Ken- 
tucky. He  came  here  from  the  hospital  at  Nashville,  about 
six  weeks  since.  He  had  suffered  from  extreme  exposure 
and  hard  marches  which  had  broken  him  down  and  induced 
fever.  Gradually,  slowly  the  coaxed  appetite  returned,  the 
mind  recovered  its  tone,  for  he  had  sometimes  fancied  himself 
a  major,  at  another  he  had  met  me  in  the  morning,  with  an 
anxious,  puzzled  expression  and  inquired  if  I  had  seen  that 
man  to  whom  he  had  given  his  money.  "  No,  I  had  not."  For 
some  moments  I  fancied  that  some  unscrupulous  person  had 
been  taking  advantage  of  his  illness  and  recent  arrival,  and 
had  inveigled  him  into  an  unwise  consignment  of  money,  par- 
ticularly as  he  told  me  the  man  had  said  he  kept  a  safe  for 
keeping  soldiers'  money. 

But  upon  further  conversation,  in  which  he  averred  that 
"  the  box  of  money  had  been  sent  to  him,  and  part  was  in 
gold,"  his  delusion  was  manifest.  But  unlike  some,  he  was 
easily  made  to  understand  that  fact,  and  like  a  hero  he  strove 
against  such  phantasms.  About  three  weeks  since,  he  re- 
ceived a  letter  from  his  wife,  which  he  brought  me  one  mor- 
ning to  read. 

It  was  difficult  to  decipher,  even  for  a  Yankee  schoolma'am, 
from  the  peculiarly  original  style  of  orthography  and  of 
punctuation  ;  but  Yankee  ingenuity  triumphed,  and  revealed 
a  volume  of  suffering.  The  pages  were  eloquent  with  star 
vation,  affection  and  loyalty. 

"  Come  home  dear  Dick,"  was  the  burden  of  the  letter,  "  or 
we  shall  starve.     I  have  but  the  milk  of  the  one  cow  for  my- 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  141 

self  and  the  four  little  ones  to  live  on.  And  the  cow  gives 
but  the  half-gallon  a  day.  The  guerrilas  have  been  in  here 
and  robbed  the  union  folks.  You  tell  me  to  go  to  Mrs.  H.  if 
I  need  help.  She  has  made  friends  with  the  rebs  to  save  her 
property,  and  I'll  starve  before  I'll  ask  her  for  help." 

Though  I  started  out  immediately  on  a  scouting  expedition, 
in  search  of  something  available  to  meet  the  case,  I  almost 
envied  one  of  the  other  lady  nurses,  who,  had  received  $60, 
but  a  little  time  before,  entrusted  to  her  for  the  soldiers 
from  an  aid  society.  I  would  not  ask  her  to  assist  me,  for  she 
would  have  need  of  the  money  in  her  own  ward,  but  the  gen- 
erous Chaplain  Fitch  had  called  me  "  daughter,"  times  enough 
to  encourage  a  demand  upon  his  generosity,  at  least  I  would 
read  him  the  letter  and  have  him  converse  with  the  man 
whose  manners  and  words  impressed  me  with  a  belief  in  his 
honesty.  The  chaplain  came,  heard  the  story  and  letter,  and 
placed  a  '*  V  "  in  my  hand  at  starting,  to  send  the  starving, 
patriotic  woman.  It  was  sent  not  confiscated.  Whether  re- 
ceived or  not,  I  cannot  at  present  say,  but  hope  to  know  in  a 
few  days. 

About  the  same  time  a  furlough  was  requested  for  Mr.  King, 
The  time  went  slowly  by,  at  last  the  furlough  came.  The 
poor  fellow  had  no  overcoat,  ho  haversack,  no  money,  having 
lost  these  articles  when  taken  sick  during  a  forced  march. 
By  a  late  order  of  the  war  department,  the  absence  of  his 
descriptive  roll,  for  which  I  had  long  before  written  to  his 
captain  in  vain,  prevented  his  drawing  any  clothing.  Flan- 
nel I  had  previously  obtained  for  him  from  the  sanitary  com- 
mission. But  their  stores  contained  no  other  needed  articles 
of  clothing.  It  was  stinging  cold,  and  he  must  go  warmly 
clothed.  The  ward  surgeon  sent  the  man  over  to  tell  his 
plain  story  to  the  executive  officers.  But  stringent  orders 
must  be  obeyed,  and  he  came  back  empty  handed.     I  went 


142  HOSPITAL     PEXCILLINGS. 

next  to  Miss  Buckel,  then  to  the  chaplain,  and  after  some  de- 
lay the  man  returned  with  an  overcoat.  The  ward-master 
captured  somewhere  a  pair  of  shoes,  and  a  haversack  of  white 
drilling,  into  which  he  put  four  days'  rations  of  bread,  meat, 
sugar  and  coiFee. 

Now  where  was  the  four  dollars  to  come  from,  which  he 
would  need  the  last  part  of  his  journey  to  pay  stage  fare  ?  So 
far  as  my  own  private  purse  was  concerned,  I  had  received 
just  that  amount  at  the  last  pay  day,  and  had  scarcely  any 
beside  to  last  for  the  next  three  months.  I  had  the  idea — I 
would  write  a  note  explanatory  of  the  case  and  of  my  belief 
in  the  worthiness  of  the  man,  and  state  the  principal  object  of 
his  going  home  that  of  getting  his  starving  family  out  of 
rebeldom.  I  would  address  the  note  to  a  friend  of  the  Sani- 
tary Commission  at  Louisville  in  particular,  and  to  all  generous, 
loyal  people  in  general.  I  told  him  if  he  lacked  friends  while 
on  the  route  or  got  into  trouble,  if  there  was  a  loyal  person 
to  be  seen,  especially  a  Sanitary  Agent,  to  present  the  note, 
it  might  do  him  some  good,  and  w^ould  certainly  do  no  harm 
unless  he  might  fall  among  rebels. 

He  started,  and  at  night  he  returned  word :  "  Tell  Miss  P. 
that  the  order  she  gave  me  did  me  a  hea'p  of  good.  Tell 
her  it  got  me  a  nice  pair  of  woollen  mittens,  a  great  long 
piece  of  tobacco,  four  dollars  in  money,  and  ■  a  note  from  Mr. 
Scott  to  a  man,  where  I'll  be  to-night,  to  give  me  a  good 
supper  and  see  me  started  on  my  way  in  the  morning.  And 
more  and  better  than  all,  he  has  given  me  a  note  to  the 
captain  in  the  nearest  regiment,  who  -will  help  me  get  my 
family  away." 

So  my  little  note  seemed  likelj'-  to  be  an  "  open  sesame  " 
to  him  everywhere.  Wasn't  I  glad  ?  Didn't  that  pay  for 
getting  up  at  an  early  morning  reveille,  standing  on  an  icy 
floor  by  gas-light  and  handling  dishes  which  are  frozen  to- 


HOSPITAL   PENCILLINGS.  143 

gether,  while  dealing  out  the  diet?  Of  course  it  did!  And 
this  is  not  a  solitary  instance  of  my  reward  either.  The  wan- 
derer has  promised  to  write  to  me  ;  and  when  he  returns,  if 
not  before,  shall  know  something  more  of  his  journey. 

Saturday,  24. 

The  second  death  in  the  ward.  It  was  that  of  a  young, 
noble-looking  man — Prevo,  of  the  40th  Indiana.  He  died  of 
a  gunshot  wound,  the  ball  entering  the  lungs.  He  was  bat- 
tling with  the  grim  monster  all  day  yesterday,  and  thought 
himself  at  one  time  on  a  forced  march  through  the  country  of 
an  enemy,  and  at  another  in  the  heat  of  battle,  when  he  would 
cheer  on  the  soldiers.  A  lock  of  hair  and  a  few  words  of 
condolence  will  go  to  one  more  mourning  family  in  place  of 
the  dear,  noble  boy. 

Great  preparations  are  being  made  for  Christmas  to-mor- 
row ;  thus  death  and  feasting  go  hand  in  hand  in  this  strange 
world  of  ours. 

Another  died  last  Sunday  in  Ward  23,  who  had  been  for  a 
long  time  in  this  ward.  He  shed  tears  when  he  was  trans- 
ferred, and  I  interceded  to  have  him  remain,  but  there  are 
wards  to  which  an  order  obliges  patients  to  be  removed  when 
suffering  from  chronic  diarrhea  or  lung  diseases,  and  he  was 
one  of  the  former.  But  at  his  request  I  visited  him,  and  after 
his  death,  which  came  suddenly,  procured  a  lock  of  his  hair 
from  the  dead-house  and  sent  it  to  his  father. 

Christmas  Evening. 

Our  dinner  was  truly  a  success.  It  was  given  by  the 
Sanitary  Commission  principally,  and  a  portion  from  the  hos- 
pital fund.  Much  less  stir  was  made  about  it,  and  one  soldier 
expressed  the  general  feeling,  who  said  he  "  enjoyed  the 
Christmas  dinner  the  most,  for  there  wasn't  so  much  style 


144  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

about  it."  Very  excellent  oyster  soup  for  the  light  diet  was 
given  each  time.  Twenty-one  hundred  pies  were  issued  for 
dinner,  seventy-one  cans  of  oysters,  with  eighteen  hundred 
pounds  of  beef  a  la  mode,  also  four  barrels  of  pickles. 

But  this  must  have  seemed  so  like  a  mockery  to  one  mourn- 
ing wife  who  is  here.  Sergeant  Don  A.  Clark,  a  very  worthy 
man  and  Christian,  who.  Chaplain  Fitch  says,  "  has  suffered 
more  than  any  other  two  men  ever  in  this  hospital,"  died  just 
after  midnight.  He  belonged  in  my  ward,  but  when  I  came 
here  he  had  been  sent  out  to  the  gangrene  tents.  The  bail 
had  passed  through  the  limb  a  little  distance  above  the  ankle 
but  had  injured  no  bone.  It  was  simply  a  flesh  wound,  and 
little  trouble  was  anticipated  in  the  healing.  But  after  some- 
time his  blood  was  ascertained  to  be  in  a  poor  condition,  as 
indicated  by  an  eruption  upon  the  face.  This  is  considered 
a  bad  omen  when  a  wound  has  become  inoculated  with 
gangrene. 

He  came  back  to  the  ward  once,  for  a  visit,  on  crutches. 
He  was  hopeful  for  "the  surgeon  had  told  him  he  would  soon 
be  well  enough  to  go  to  his  own  ward,"  and  boys  "  said  he,  I 
shall  be  back  home  with  you  in  a  few  days." 

The  wound  has  several  times  been  free  from  gangrene,  but 
just  as  he  was  anticipating  a  return  to  the  ward  it  would 
return. 

Thus  did  he  suffer  with  hope  deferred  and  the  cruel  burn- 
ino-s  of  bromine,  as  could  only  a  noble,  patient  christian,  till 
from  two  little  wounds  the  size  of  a  hickory  nut,  it  extended  to 
nearly  the  whole  lower  limb.  It  was  shocking  to  see  the 
the  cruel  ravages  of  the  gangrene. 

Then  it  ate  off  an  artery,  and  twice  he  came  near  dying 
with  hemorrhage.  Then  it  was  hoped  he  would  rally  so  that 
they  dare  amputate  the  limb.  His  wife  had  been  all  the  time 
writino-  to  him  for  permission  to  come  and   care  for  him,  but 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  145 

he  had  been  hopeful  of  going  to  her,  and  the  expense  was  an 
item.  But  he  was  at  this  time  prevailed  upon  to  giye  his 
consent,  and  I  wrote  to  her  just  what  we  hoped  and  feared* 
That  she  must  expect  to  find  a  sufferer,  but  if  she  could  come 
with  nerve  and  moral  courage  enough  to  hide  her  feelings  in 
his  presence,  and  smooth  his  passage  to  the  better  land,  we 
should  be  glad  to  have  her  come,  and  the  expense  should  be 
nothing  during  her  stay. 

She  came  about  three  weeks  since,  and  has  proved  herself 
equal  to  the  task.  His  mind  became  very  weak,  and  otfce 
when  I  carried  him  some  currant  shrub,  he  cried  like  a  sick 
child  alfe  he  said,  "  God  bless  you."  I  went  in  last  evening  to 
see  him  for  the  last  time.  He  had  forgotten  almost  every  one 
but  his  wife,  and  as  I  took  his  hand  he  appeared  not  to  recog 
nize  me,  even  after  I  had  given  my  name,  biit  as  I  mentioned 
my  ward,  he  said  earnestly,  and  with  tears  j^nd  a  tender  child- 
ish voice,  "  Oh,  yes,  I  know  the  lady  of  Ward  1.  I  never  can 
forget  her,  she  has  done  a  great  deal  for  me." 

Such  is  my  reward.     Gold,  without  it,  is  a,s  nothing  in  com- 
parison. 

Friday,  30. 

Most  of  the  wards  are  now  radiant  with  evergreen,,  tissue 
paper  and  pictures.  I  am  content  that  mine  should,  rank  third 
or  fourth  in  its  adornings,  rather  than  negleot  the  weightier 
matter  of  attending  to  the  sick  men — of  who^n  I  had  quite  a 
number  last  week  requiring  much  care.  The  last  death,  men- 
tioned under  date  of  the  24th,  was  the  second  only  in  the 
ward  since  my  entrance — a  period  of  over  two  months,  and 
the  fifth  since  being  in  the  ch;;irge  of  the  present  surgeon, 
which  is  eight  months.  But  the  mortality  in  the  hospital  is 
increasing  very  much  in  consequence  of  war's  grim  visage 
approaching  nearer  to  us.  A  week  ago  last  Sunday  there 
25 


146  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

were  eleven  dead  bodies  in  the  dead-house,  and  fourteen  deaths 
occurred  in  three  days. 

Last  evening  I  was  edified  by  the  testimony  of  a  loyal 
Kentucky  woman  who  is  visiting  her  wounded  son  in  one  of 
the  wards.     She  said: — 

"*  Well,  I'se  never  in  a  free  State  afore,  but  I've  been  very 
much  gratified  to  see  how  our  soldier  boys  is  took  keer  of. 
Talk  about  the  riches  o'  Kaintuchy — I  say  the  riches  o'  the 
North.  I  wish  every  one  o'  the  rebels  in  Kaintucky  could 
see  what  I've  seen  here."  And  here  the  old  lady,  with  her 
good  motherly  face  surrounded  by  the  full  border  of  her  cap? 
and  the  forefinger  of  the  right  hand  brought  down  with  three 
or  four  emphatic  taps  into  the  left  palm,  forcibly  reminded 
me  of  Mrs.  Partington,  as  she  concluded  her  observations 
thus  :  ''  They'd  just  be  like  a  pea  fowl  when  it  drops  its  tail 
feathers  to  the  ground, — and  the^-'d  never  cry  '  Yankee  '  any 
more." 

Have  lately  been  the  recipient  of  what  I  presume  was  in- 
tended by  the  writer  to  constitute  the  first  of  a  series  of  love 
letters  addressed  to  "  Mr.  E.  J.  Powers,  Esq."  I  had  ad- 
dressed a  note  of  inquiry  relative  to  a  boy  who  had  died  in 
my  ward,  to  one  whose  name  he  gave,  inquiring  for  his  sister, 
signing  only  last  name  with  initials  of  first.  The  letter,  with- 
out telling  me  a  word  of  what  I  wished  to  know  about  the 
whereabouts  of  the  dead  boy's  sister,  contained  the  following 
delectable  bit  of  composition : — 
"  Mr.  E.  J.  Pow  ERs, 

Dear  Sir, — Please  excuse  me  for  answering  you  likewise. 
I  must  confess  that  I  was  infinitely  pleased  for  you  to  write 
to  me  and  inform  me  of  the  mishap.     (The  death.) 

Soldiering  must  be  a  dreary  life,  altho'  I  have  never  expe- 
rienced it  of  corse  because  I  am  not  a  masculine,  but  woo  to 
me  if  I  were. 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  147 

I  have  nothing  more  to  say  at  present,  but  by  the  way  if 
you  have  no  objections  I  will  compose  for  you  a  little  piece  of 
poetry. 

"  think  not  this  a  hapy 
world  for  it  is  ought 
but  a  world  of  care 
and  trouble. 

remember  thou  art 
but  a  mere  vision 
yet  we  think  not  so 
For  our  body  seems  like 
if  we  could  overcome 
every  thing  but !  Ah  !  it 
is  all  in  vain." 

Signed  ." 


"fe 


Only  to  think  what  an  amount  of  poetical  talent  will  waste 
its  "  sweetness  on  the  desert  air,"  unless  the  author  is  discov- 
ered by  some  appreciative  editor! 

This  is  only  excelled  in  point  of  orthography  and  punctua- 
tion by  the  following  Rebel  love  letters  which  were  sent  from 
a  captured  post-office  in  Virginia,  by  As't.  Adj.  Gen.  Dana  to 
his  sister  in  Rockford,  Illmois,  and  wliich  1  copy  verbatim  el 
literatim. 

REBEL   LOVE    LETTERS. 

"Pettigrew  Hospital,  N.  C. 
May  27tu  64. 

Dear  Miss  I  take 

the  pleasure 
"  of  writing  you  a  few  lines  which  will  inform  you  that  I  am 
well  as  to  health  tho  I  had  the   sad   misfortune  of  getting 
wounded  on   the   12  th  of  this  mouth   tho   I  aint  very  bad 


148  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

wounded  I  think  that  I  will  be  able  to  go  to  my  Regment  in 
the  corse  of  a  week  or  less  time  Miss  I  dont  feel  my  self 
Capable  of  addressing  a  young  lady  that  I  essteem  as  high  as 
I  do  you  tho  I  will  do  the  best  that  I  can  you  must  excuse  bad 
writing  and  bad  spelling  for  I  am  a  bad  hand  to  write  or  to 
spell  which  you  will  see  that  from  this  letter  tho  I  am  in  hops 
that  you  wont  take  no  insineration  at  bad  spelt  words  it  is 
only  ben  about  one  month  sense  I  Saw  you  but  it  seems  as  if 
it  had  ben  twelve  month  for  there  is  no  young  lady  that  I 
have  ever  saw  in  my  life  tho  that  is  Saying  agreat  deal  for 
m}^  self  tho  I  am  in  hops  that  you  will  excuse  my  boldness 
for  it  is  my  fait  I  gineraly  think  that  aman  on  such  accasion 
as  that  ourt  to  be  perminent  in  such  bisseness  as  that  for  I" 
all  ways  thought  that  aman  ourt  not  to  jest  with  a  young  Lady 
on  such  accasion  well  I  will  close  my  letter  for  it  aint  verry 
interresting. 

William  N.  Hunt. 
iff  you  think  anufF  of  my  letter  to  write  to  me  Direct  to  Co 
H  26th  Ga  Regt  in  care  of  Capt  H  H  Smith." 

There's  self-abasement  and  constancy  for  you,  for  though 
he  seems  to  have  found  his  "  fait,"  confesses  that  his  "  letter 
aint  verry  interresting,"  but  believes  that  "  aman  ourt  to  be 
perminent  in  such  bisseness,  and  not  jest  with  a  young  Lady 
on  such  acasion."     Here  is  another  equally  racy : 

"  Camp  Gregg,  Va.  February  16,  1863 

Dear  Miss  Kitty  I  feel  ashamed  of  attempting  to  write  to 
you  after  refusing  to  answer  your  letters,  but  I  hope  that  you 
will  not  think  any  thing  of  it  as  you  may  well  know  I  have 
seen  a  great  deal  of  trouble  this  last  year.  I  suppose  you 
heard  of  the  death  of  my  two  brothers,  and  I  have 'been  very 
unwell  the  greatest  part  of  last  year,  but  I  humbly  ask  par- 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLIXGS.  149 

don  for  not  writing,  and  hope  that  you  will  not  refuse  to  grant 
it  to  one  that  esteems  you  as  high  as  I  do.  I  hope  that  the 
time  will  come  soon  ;  when  I  shall  return  home  again  that  I 
may  once  more  see  your  smiling  face  and  hear  your  winning 
voice  again,  oh,  that  I  was  once  more  a  free  man  that  I  could 
go  and  come  when  I  pleased,  I  hope  that  the  war  will  soon 
come  to  a  close  for  I  am  tired  of  being  a  soldier,  I  tell  you 
that  I  have  seen  a  hard  time  since  I  left  home,  I  have  marched 
night  and  day  through  rain  and  snow  not  only  that  but  I  have 
suffered  hunger  and  thurst.  My  dear  friend  I  Hope  that  I 
may  get  home  safe  again,  I  have  only  written  to  you  one  time 
since,  I  have  received  three  letters  from  you,  in  which  you 
answered  mine  very  satisfactory,  but  owing  to  the  misfortunes 
that  befel  me  I  was  not  able  to  fulfil  my  expectations  and  not 
only  that  after  I  considered  over  the  matter  I  thought  best  to 
wait  until  after  the. war,  I  want  to  hear  from  you  very  bad, 
and  to  hear  what  you  think  of  the  matter,  my  mind  have  not 
changed  in  the  least,  and  I  hope  that  you  stick  to  your  prom- 
ise. Give  my  best  respects  to  your  mother  and  all  inquiring 
friends,  and  reserve  a  full  portion  for  yourself.  I  want  you 
to  write  where  your  post-office  is,  I  expect  that  you  have  en- 
tirely forgotten  me,  but  I  hope  not,  there  is  only  two  ways 
that  any  one  can  get  a  furlough  here,  one  is  to  get  sick,  and 
the  other  is  to  get  married,  therefore,  I  do  not  expect  to  get 
one  for  one  reason  no  one  wont  have  me,  and  the  other  is  I 
can't  get  sick. 

Dear  Miss  Kitty  I  would  give  half  of  this  world  to  see  you 
and  the  other  half  too  if  they  belonged  to  me  for  there  is 
nothing  on  the  earth  that  I  prize  so  high  and  so  dear  as  I  do 
you,  you  must  excuse  bad  writing  and  mistakes. 
I  remain  your  affectionate  lover, 

Samuel  D.  McKlode. 

26  ' 


150  HOSPITAL    PENCILLIXGS. 

This  letter  embodies  quite  a  history.  It  seems  the  write 
after  "  refusing  to  answer  her  letters,"  wishes  her  to  forgive 
him  on  account  of  his  "  losing  two  of  his  brothers,"  "  suffer- 
ing hunger  and  thurst,"  and  not  "  being  very  well  himself." 
And  then  she  had  "  answered  his  very  satisfactory,"  but  ow- 
ing to  misfortune  which  befel  him,  has  not  been  able  to  fulfil 
his  expectations,  and  thinks  it  better  to  "  wait  till  after  the 
war."  But  he  "  hasn't  changed  his  mind,"  oh  !  no,  although 
he  wants  a  furlough  "  so  bad,"  laments  that  he  can  neither 
get  sick,  nor  marry.  Oh,  the  artfulness  of  man  !  Of  course 
she  W'Ould  have  forgiven  him,  after  telling  her  that  he  would 
make  her  a  present  of  one  half  of  the  world  when  he  saw  her. 
Here  is  another. 

Spotssylvaxia  Court  House,  Va.  May  21,  '64. 

Miss  Amanda  E.  Mastin. 

I  seat  my  self  this  morning  to  an  swer  your  kind  leter 
whitch  was  dated  May  the  1,  and  caim  to  hand  may  the  20 
it  fown  mee  in  fine  helth  and  excilent  spirits  whitch  I  hop 
when  this  few  lines  Reches  yoar  sweet  smiles  tha  may  find 
you  in  percession  of  the  saim  kind  of  belesans  Miss  Mandy 
I  hav  no  news  w^orth  Ritin  only  wor  news  and  I  guess  you 
her  a  nough  of  that  ever}^  day  I  will  giv  you  a  short  skitch  of 
our  tramps  since  we  left  winter  qwarters  we  left  May  the  5 
and  went  in  to  the  fite  the  6  morning  at  sunris  and  faut  until 
dark  and  the  next  morning  we  went  in  at  day  light  and  faut 
til  10  oclock  that  knight  when  we  wor  Relevd  and  we  movd 
down  the  liii  the  next  day  had  another  small  fite  with  them 
and  we  hev  bin  fitin  them  every  day  since  we  left  awn  the  1 2 
day  we  had  the  marster  fite  that  ever  has  bin  faut  in  Virginia 
I  never  Saw  such  a  slawter  in  all  my  life  well  as  the  fite  ent 
over  I  wont  say  mutch  about  if  we  air  in  line  of  batel  at 
Spotsylvania  court  hows  and  has  bin  fer  o  er  6  days  and  I  ent 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  151 

abel  to  say  liow  lowDg  we  will  Remain  her  I  think  it  is  a  qeer 
notion  to  fite  them  here  that  is  if  tha  stay  to  see  it  I  wish  tha 
wood  fite  us  er  les  go  back  awn  the  other  Side  of  the  River 
so  we  cowd  obtain  Som  Rest  fer  this  army  is  gaded  vary 
mutch  but  air  still  in  goad  Spirits  I  am  in  fine  spirits  my  self 
all  tho  I  field  vary  much  exzausted  fer  I  hent  slep  as  mutch 
as  5  knights  since  this  thing  has  commenst  and  I  hav  not  had 
awf  my  shoes  ner  cateridge  Box  smce  the  4  day  of  may  and 
you  can  guess  wherther  we  air  exzausted  er  not  I  will  drop 
this  sub  ject  untill  the  fite  is  over  and  then  if  I  am  Spaird  I 
will  giv  you  a  full  liistry  of  the  batel  well  Miss  Amanda  you 
spoak  of  not  gittin  the  letter  that  T  sent  the  song  ballet  in  I 
was  very  sorry  in  deed  fer  I  wanted  you  to  have  the  balet 
but  had  Ruther  you  had  hav  got  the  letter  fer  I  think  it  was 
the  best  leter  I  ever  composd  in  my  lif  and  thair  foar  I  showd 
hav  Rether  you  had  a  got  it  I  want  you  to  excus  mee  for  the 
short  letter  I  sent  buy  Mr.  Morris  tho  I  thout  my  corispond- 
ance  was  not  excepted  but  still  I  thout  as  I  had  sent  sent  you 
a  sheat  of  paper  and  a  stamp  and  I  cowdent  help  but  think  if 
you  Recieved  that  letter  you  wold  hav  a  answered  it  fer  it 
was  Such  a  won  as  you  cowd  not  Refused  I  dont  think  I  hop 
my  corispondance  is  excepted  with  hy  Reputation  as  you  air 
the  girl  I  think  will  Suit  my  fancy  agacly  tho  you  hav  never 
consented  to  our  ceeping  up  a  Regular  corispondance  whitch 
I  hop  you  will  not  Refus  as  it  is  the  only  in  Joyment  that  a 
solger  sees  is  when  he  hers  from  the  fair  Sexe  whitch  he 
hyly  dos  a  steam  giv  Jan  my  best  lov  and  kind  Respects  and 
also  Mr  Morris  and  Miss  Morris  the  saim  and  as  fer  lov  I  hop 
you  will  be  abel  to  obtain  a  larg  potian  yoar  self  Miss  mandy 
fer  fere  that  I  worry  joar  patience  I  will  bring  my  few  bad 
Remarks  to  a  cloas  hoping  to  her  from  you  every  weak  you 
will  a  dres  mee  to  Rich  mond  co  a  8  Regment  Alabama  vol- 
unteers in  the  car  of  captin  herd  I  wish  you  to  direct  mee 


152  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

agacly  how  to  back  yoar  letters  if  the  way  that  I  opposed 
wont  suit  you  I  hop  you  will  excus  this  bad  writ  letter  fer  I 
had  to  write  It  awn  my  nee  I  still  remain  your  friend  til  deth. 

Mr.    J.    W.    TOMBERLINSON." 

What  an  ungrateful  creature  she  must  be,  when  he  "  sent 
her  a  sheat  of  paper  and  a  stamp,"  if  she  had  not  replied  to 
the  "  best  leter  that  he  ever  composd  in  his  lif,"  particularly 
when  he  tells  her  "  it  is  all  the  in  Joyment  a  solger  sees  is 
when  he  hers  from  the  fair  Sexe  whitch  he  hyly  does  a 
steam ! " 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  153 


CHAPTER     X. 

Jefferson,  General  Hospita'l,  Jeffersonville, 
Ind.,  January  3,  1865. 

A  happy  New  Year.  It  is  pleasant  to  chronicle  an  act  of 
disinterested  benevolence.  A  Mr.  Kisling,  of  Delaware  Co., 
Ind.,  visited  his  son  in  this  hospital,  bringing  with  him.  some 
creature  comforts.  While  his  son  was  enjoying  them,  he 
heard  others  wishing  they  had  friends  to  do  the  same  for 
them.  He  immediately  formed  the  resolution  of  seeing  what 
could  be  done  in  that  direction  ;  and  upon  returning  home 
succeeded  in  interesting  the  good  people  of  Delaware  and 
Henry  Counties,  Ind.,  in  his  project,  who  responded  liberally. 
And  the  result  was  400  chickens,  not  veterans,  innumerable 
cakes,  with  pies,  fresh  butter,  onions,  apple  butter,  and  canned 
fruit,  in  all  about  3,500  pounds  were  contributed  for  the  benefit 
of  our  boys.  It  was  enjoyed  all  the  more  from  its  being  a 
surprise.  Three  capital  holiday  dinners  in  succession,  well? 
the  invalids  of  this  hospital  do  not  need  to  sigh  for  home,  on 
account  of  these  festivals.     Blessings  attend  the  donors! 

In  striking  contrast  to  such  fare  was  that  of  one  of  our  jDa- 
tients  who  came  from  Nashville  last  Saturday.  He  was  taken 
prisfnier  at  Franklin,  and  was  with  the  enemy  eighteen  days. 
During  that  time  he  was  an  inmate  of  the  hospital,  having  a 
wound  through  neck  and  shoulder.  His  fare  and  that  of  the 
other  patients  was  two  meals  per  day,  two  biscuits  of  hard 
tack,  and  one  piece  of  meat  in  all,  for  the  twenty-four  hours. 
Ther^  were  at  first  287  Union  prisoners  in  the  hospital.  Five 
physicians  and  eleven  nurses  were  detailed  for  dut}' ;  but  all 


154  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

except  one  of  the  former  and  four  of  the  latter  deserted.  Of 
course  the  patients  were  the  sufferers  by  this  desertion,  and 
out  of  the  original  number  but  163  survived.  Not  all  of  this 
number  were  in  one  hospital,  but  of  those  in  the  one  in  which 
was  my  informant,  fifteen  died  in  twenty -four  hours. 

He  says  had  it  not  have  been  for  the  kindness  of  a  young 
lady  by  the  name  'of  Fannie  Courtney  and  her  mother,  in 
bringing  in  baskets  of  provisions,  he  believes  some  would 
have  starved. 

Over  200  patients  came  from  Nashville  to  this  hospital  last 
Saturday,  out  of  which  our  ward  received  more  than  one  for 
every  bed.  We  have  fifty -nine  beds  for  patients,  and  we  had 
seventy-one  on  the  morning  report  for  the  new  year.  Mat- 
tresses are  put  on  the  floor  at  night.  About  the  same  num- 
ber came  into  the  hospital  on  Sunday,  and  half  as  many  to- 
day. In  a  few  days  there  will  be  a  transfer  from  this  to  some 
other  hospital  farther  north,  to  make  room  for  others  from  the 
front.  Immediately  after  a  large  transfer  to  a  hospital  the 
greatest  mortality  occurs.  They  are  sometimes  brought  in  a 
wretched  condition.  Some  have  the  balls  remaining  in  the 
wounds.  One  here  has  not  slept  for  three  nights  from  that 
cause.  Another  came  whose  wound  has  not  been  dressed  for 
thirty-six  hours,  and  as  a  consequence  he  has  gangrene.  Not 
long  since  two  men  showed  me  their  shirts  which  had  been 
worn  without  change  between  twenty  and  thirty  days.  And 
there  was  no  help  for  it  until  the  next  week,  for  at  that  time 
we  had  but  twenty-five  clean  shirts  for  seventy-seven  men.  The 
hospital  is  overcrowded.  It  was  only  intended  for  2,000,  but 
we  have  had  upwards  of  2,600.  And  orders  have  been  sent 
Maj.  Goldsmith  to  enlarge  it  so  that  it  may  contain  5,000. 

It  is  evening ;  I  am  seated  in  my  ward  by  one  of  the  four 
mammoth  stoves,  which  are  ranged  at  equal  distances  through 
the  length  of  the  same.     Groups  are  gathered  around  each 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  155 

stove.  Some  are  chatting  on  army  experience,  some  discus- 
sing politics,  some  dozing  in  chairs,  perhaps  a  third  of  the 
whole  in  bed,  two  playing  chess,  one  singing  low  to  himself,  as 
if  to  pass  away  time,  and  last,  but  by  no  means  least  in  her 
own  estimation,  is  one  who  dips  occasionally  into  the  inkstand 
which  is  upon  the  same  table  as  the  chess-board,  and  is  occu- 
pying herself  in  "  telling  tales  out  of  school."  Here  is  a 
short  one. 

A  German  boy  sitting  just  behind  me  on  the  bed  who  has 
an  "  interesting  "  arm,  has  just  been  telling  me  the  following : 
"  One  day  when  our  regiment  was  down  in  Georgia,  a  party 
from  our  company  were  out  on  a  foraging  expedition,  and 
came  to  a  house  where  were  a  woman  and  her  two  daughters. 
As  we  rode  up  the  mother  held  up  her  hands  in  blank  aston- 
ishment. 

" '  Why,  youans  beant  Yankee  soldiers,  be  ye  ? ' 

" '  Yes,  we  are  ! '  was  the  emphatic  reply. 

" '  Why,  youans  looks  like  weuns  do  ! — only  I  don't  know 
but  youans  looks  better'n  weuns." 

"  We  tried  to  make  her  tell,"  says  my  informant,  "  what 
weuns  were  expected  to  look  like,  but  without  success." 

January  6. 

Day  before  yesterday  I  was  very  busy  with  the  little  er- 
rands which  seem  almost  nothing  in  the  telling,  but  yet  effect 
very  much  the  comfort  of  the  invalids,  when  an  order  came 
for  "  seven  men  to  go  from  each  ward  to  Jefferson  Barracks, 
Missouri,  who  were  from  the  States  of  Missouri,  Minnesota, 
Iowa  or  Wisconsin — the  number  to  be  made  up,  if  necessary, 
from  Illinois."  I  was  permitted  by  the  surgeon  to  go  through 
the  ward  and  see  who  wished  to  be  transferred  nearer  home. 
Sometimes,  so  little  time  is  given  after  such  an  order  is  issued, 
that  with  the  pressing  duties  of  a  surgeon  it  is  impossible  to 


156  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

take  time  for  the  selection,  and  some  are  sent  farther  away 
from  their  homes,  while  others  are  retained  who  would  gladly 
go. 

Then  came  the  furlough  of  eight  of  the  patients,  several  of 
which  I  had  looked  for  for  some  three  weeks,  almost  as 
anxiously  as  the  recipients.  These  same  furloughs  may  be 
the  means  of  saving  three  or  four  lives.  This  chronic  camp 
disease,  or  the  scurvy,  is  best  cured  at  home,  if  at  all,  and  if 
the  patient  is  not  to  recover,  he  is  certainly  better  at  home  in 
most  instances.  It  was  fortunately  not  very  cold  weather,  as 
only  one  had  an  overcoat  to  wear  away.  He  very  fortunately 
had  his  descriptive  list  and  drew  one.  The  others  had  nothing 
except  blouses  over  flannel  shirts. 

One  man,  an  Indian,  from  Michigan,  had  lost  all  his  bag- 
gage. What  was  he  to  do  without  money  or  a  descriptive 
roll,  not  having  been  here  long  enough  even  to  get  two  months' 
pay  ?  Fortunately  I  had  one  shirt  remaining  from  the  Jan- 
uary stock  of  flannels.  Not  one  was  left  in  the  Sanitary 
stores  or  about  the  hospital,  except  some  two  or  three  which 
some  ladies  had  sent  from  home.  I  had  already  borrowed 
three  such  pairs  of  socks  for  those  who  were  going  to  the 
front.  The  Sanitary  Agent  had  told  me  she  had  but  two  or 
three  pairs  of  socks  to  give  out  only  in  extreme  cases  and  a 
few  flannel  drawers.  This,  I  thought  an  extreme  case,  and 
taking  the  last  flannel  shirt  in  my  possession  and  going  to  the 
lady  I  received  the  other  two  articles,  and  hastening  to  the 
ward  gave  them  to  the  worthy  representative — not  of  the 
copper-headed  but  of  the  copper-colored  race.  The  ward- 
master  secured  other  clothing  for  him,  so  that  he  was  as  com- 
fortable as  was  necessary. 

Another  young  Indian,  who  could  speak  but  a  few  words 
of  English,  received  a  letter  to  show  to  "  whom  it  may  con- 
cern," asking  assistance  if  needed  ;  while  by  sign  I  think  he 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  157 

was  made  to  understand  its  purport.  I  had  been  to  head- 
quarters and  obtained  orders  for  an  ambulance  to  take  the 
men  to  the  depot  for  the  evening  train  of  8.40.  Then  left 
the  ward  after  they  had  received  their  baggage  and  rations. 
Learned  this  morning  that  the  ambulance  did  not  come  for 
them,  and  that  all,  except  one  crippled  boy,  had  walked  a 
mile  through  the  mud  to  the  depot.  Thus  are  men  nerved 
with  additional  strength  when  the  stimulus  is  home  and  loved 
ones. 

January  15. 

Wonder  how  many  people  at  the  North  think  we  are  living 
on  champagne  and  canned  fruits  at  Uncle  Sam's  expense. 
Wish  such  could  see  our  table.  Please  imagine,  dear  friends, 
your  humble  servant  as  sitting  down  to  a  long  table  with  some 
eighteen  others — not  tables  but  ladies — and  viewing  three 
plates  of  bread,  three  bowls  of  gravy,  ditto  of  apple-sauce 
arranged  at  equal  distances,  and  that  each  has  the  exquisite 
pleasure  of  chewing  for  a  reasonable  length  of  time  a  piece 
of  tough  meat  which  is  strongly  suspected  of  having  once 
been  the  person  of  a  mule,  and  of  drinking  a  mug  of  coffee 
minus  the  milk — and  oh !  worse  than  all  the  rest,  the  table  is 
minus  the  butter.  These  two  last  are  regretted  the  most.  I 
wish  somebody  would  make  a  raid  and  capture  a  dairy — milk- 
maid and  all !  Won't  some  good  Northern  body  be  so  mag- 
nanimous as  to  send  me  a  little  pat  of  butter  and  a  cup  of 
milk  ? 

The  truth  is,  I  have  encountered  perils  by  land  and  sea, — • 
thrice  being  obliged  to  do  my  own  washing  save  once,  because 
the  laundress  had  married  a  husband  and  could  not  come. 
Once  in  my  life  did  I  have  the  audacity  to  pay  special  atten- 
tion to  a  young  corporal  from  Massachusetts  by  accompanying 
him  to  church  one  Sabbath  evening,  and  came  very  near 
27 


158  HOSPITAL    PEXCILLINGS. 

being  discharged  for  the  same.  Shall  never  dare  to  repeat 
the  heinous  offence.  Special  attentions  not  allo\Yed  among 
Uncle  Sam's  nephews  and  nieces.  It  is  my  opinion  that  said 
corporal  is  not  over  fifteen  years  younger  than  myself,  still 
there's  no  knowing  what  might  have  come  of  it.  Ah,  me  ! 
what  a  sacrifice  am  I  making  for  the  good  of  my  country. 

"  Ladj^  nurses  in  the  hospital,"  says  a  late  order  which  was 
sent  to  each  ward,  "  are  expected  to  be  in  their  wards  each 
meal  time  to  receive  the  special  and  extra  diets  and  deal  them 
out ;  take  charge  of  all  liquors  used  in  the  wards,  and  do  any- 
thing else  required  by  their  surgeons." 

This,  by  the  by,  is  just  what  we've  been  doing  all  the  while, 
especially  taking  care  of  all  the  liquors  we  can  obtain,  in  ad- 
dition to  which  some  of  us  have  done  whatsoever  our  hands, 
heads,  or  hearts  might  find  to  do,  whether  ordered  by  a  sur- 
geon, or  not. 

But  to  return  to  the  fruitful  subject  of  our  own  diet.  Per- 
haps I  have  colored  the  matter  a  little  too  highly,  and  to  be 
just,  will  mention  that  for  some  three  consecutive  mornings 
we  have  had  the  exquisite  felicity  of  inhaling  the  fumes  which 
arose  from  buckwheat  cakes,  just  after  arrival  of  that  kind  of 
flour  to  the  hospital.  Said  fumes  issued  from  the  steward's 
mess  just  across  the  hall.  It  was  so  grateful  to  the  olfactory 
nerves,  we  thought  of  sending  a  deputation  to  wait  upon  their 
dignities  and  humbly  request  a  continuance  of  the  same  for 
our  benefit.  Once,  since  our  sojourn  here,  somebody  has 
has  had  a  remarkably  severe  fit  of  benevolence,  not  fatal, 
however ;  and  the  consequence  was  we  had  hot  rolls  for  three 
successive  mornings.  If  only  somebody  would  send  one  of 
those  nice  little  needle-books,  or  comfort  bags,  with  an  affec- 
tionate letter  in  the  interior  thereof  from  some  "  nice  young 
lady  at  the  North,"  and  I  could  present  the  same  with  one  of 
my  most   winning  smiles,    and  sweetest  tones,   mayhap  we 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  159 

might  have  hot  rolls  for  three  more  mornings,  or  what  would 
be  still  better, 

Have  butter  on  oui-  daily  bread, 
And  milk  within  our  coffee. 

This  poetry  is  perfectly  original ;  please  don't  anybody  claim 
it,  on  their  peril. 

Again,  I  confess  I  may  have  colored  the  matter  of  the  diet 
too  highly,  for  there  has  been  an  overplus  of  butter  in  the 
wards  since  it  has  disappeared  from  our  table,  and  conse-. 
quently  some  of  us  have  seen  fit  to  capture  a  piece  ;  therefore, 
there  may  be  seen  by  the  side  of  some  plates  a  little  pat  of 
butter  done  up  in  a  rag.  Happy  possessor  of  the  rag  with 
butter  in  it,  even  if  it  ranks  higher  than  any  general  in  the 
field ! 

Jaxuary  17. 

Am  feeling  grieved  and  sad  this  morning.  The  chief  nurse 
is  to-day  sent  to  the  front.  What  a  pity  he  could  not  with- 
stand the  temptation  which  sparkles  in  the  wine  cup.  A  more 
capable,  prompt  and  cheerful  nurse  is  seldom  or  never  found 
I  wrote  a  few  lines  to  him,  and  received  a  reply.  Will  copy 
both. 

''Ward  1,  January  17. 
«  Mr. ; 

"  My  Dear  Friend  : — Do  you  know  some  of  us  are  feeling 
sad  and  griev^ed  this  pleasant  morning,  and  do  you  know  the 
reason  ?  I  snatch  a  moment  to  write  you  a  few  hasty  lines, 
even  at  the  risk  of  not  knowing  whether  or  not  they  will  be 
kindly  received.  In  addition  to  the  feeling  which  prevails  in 
the  ward,  of  regret  that  one  so  j)rompt,  cheerful  and  capable 
in  a  sick  room,  is  going  to  leave  us,  is  another,  which,  even  at 


160  HOSPITAL    TEXCILLINGS. 

the  risk  of  womicling  your  feelings,  I  must  express,  as  I  Lave 
a  good  object  in  view.  It  is,  that  one  so  capable  of  making  a 
noble  specimen  of  manhood  and  of  doing  so  much  good  in  the 
"world,  is  liable  to  be  bound  in  chains  stronger  than  ever  ty- 
rant bound  a  slave.  Do  you  know,  my  friend,  that  '  he  who 
ruletli  his  own  spirit  is  greater  than  he  who  taketh  a  city  ? ' 
Cannot  you  battle  bravely  against  this  one  temptation,  and 
prove  yourself  the  conqueror?  I  am  a  member  of  the 
Order  of  Good  Templars,  and  I  wish  very  much  you  were 
situated  so  that  you  could  unite  with  that,  for  it  might  be  a 
great  help  to  you. 

"  I  have  used  my  influence  to  keep  you  here,  and  would  go 
myself  to  the  executive  officers  and  intercede,  but  that  I  know 
there  is  sensitiveness  upon  the  subject  of  '  interference  of  the 
lady  nurses.'  It  is  universally  regretted  in  the  ward  that  you 
are  to  leave,  and  some  have  interceded  for  you.  Dr.  C.  also 
regrets  the  fact,  but  he  has  several  times  come  between  Dr. 
M.  and  the  men  in  his  ward,  and  once  before  on  your  account, 
and  farther  intercession  would  comjDromise  his  own  position 
and  influence. 

"If  this  is  received  in  the  same  spirit  of  kindness  in  which 
it  is  written,  I  shall  be  glad  to  know.     I  shall  be  glad  to  hear 
from  you,  from  any  place  where  you  may  be.     But  the  bugle 
sounds  for  dinner  and  I  must  close. 
"•  Your  sincere  friend. 


"Guard  House,  January  17. 
"Mi'ss  F ; 

"  My  Dear  Friend  : — I  received  your  kind  and  welcome 
note  a  few  moments  since,  and  am  very  thankful  for  your  ad- 
vice. I  will  make  a  jDromise  but  I  do  not  know  as  I  can  keep 
it,  but  will  try,  and  if  I  can  govern  myself  shall  ever  be 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  IGl 

thankful  for  your  advice.  You  know  that  the  army  is  a  hard 
place  for  young  men,  and  we  are  always  tempted  to  use  this 
poisonous  stuff. 

It  took  me  down  when  I  read  that  letter,  and  made  me 
ashamed  of  myself  to  think  that  after  I  have  done  as  I  have, 
you  would  write  to  me  and  give  me  such  good  advice.  And 
I  have  resolved  not  to  be  ruled  by  that  one  temptation,  but  to 
battle  against  it  and  attain  the  mastery  over  it.  I  will  keep 
that  letter  of  yours,  and  when  tempted  to  break  my  resolution 
will  take  that  letter  and  read  it. 

I  could  have  come  in  the  ward  this  morning,  but  did  not 
wish  to,  as  it  would  make  me  feel  so  bad.     I  shall  have  to  bid 
you  good  bye  from  here.     I  will  write  when  I  get  to  a  stop- 
ping place,  and  shall  always  be  glad  to  hear  from  you. 
"  From  your  friend, 


January  22. 

Nearly  1,000  patients  have  been  added  to  the  hospital  with- 
in the  last  ten  days.  The  "  R.  C.  Wood  "  brought  up  700 
and  left  100  at  New  Albany.  Two  days  after,  the  little  hos- 
pital boat  ''Jennie.  Hopkins,"  brought  2G9  more.  From  this 
number  should  be  taken,  however,  fourteen,  who  died  on  the 
passage,  nine  on  the  barge,  and  five  on  the  small  boat.  As 
many  more  died  within  twenty -four  hours  after  their  arrival. 

"  War  is  cruel,  and  cannot  be  refined,"  was  the  defensive 
shot  fired  by  Sherman  at  Atlanta.  Still  it  seems  a  pity  that 
men  should  be  sent  out  from  Nashville  hospitals,  in  a  dying- 
condition,  to  make  way  for  rebel  prisoners.  Why  could  not 
some  private  mansion  be  used  for  that  purpose,  whose  owners 
are  known  to  have  taken  the  oath  merely  to  save  their  pro- 
perty ?  At  the  door  of  one  such  residence  during  my  stay  iu- 
that  city,  one  of  the  young  ladies  was  heard  to  say  indig- 
28 


1G2  HOSPITAL    TENCILLINGS. 

nantly,  "  Well,  ice  shall  have  to  leave  here  before  long,  that's 
sure,  for  I  see  no  signs  of  these  Yankees  leaving."  Or  very- 
good  use  might  be  made  of  that  of  another,  who  confessed  to 
my  informant  that  she  was  "  obliged  to  take  the  oath  on  ac- 
count of  her  property,  but  that  if  her  son  enlisted  in  the  Fed- 
eral army  to  fight  against  his  friends,  she  would  herself  take 
his  life  with  a  revolver." 

I  did  not  visit  the  large  boat  myself,  but  a  lady  who  has 
been  connected  with  hospitals  over  two  years,  a  good  part  of 
the  time  at  Memphis,  and  not  of  the  sensational  stamp,  says 
that  she  never  before  saw  such  scenes  of  suffering. 

In  company  with  this  lady  and  one  other,  I  visited  the 
"  Jennie  Hopkins,"  the  next  morning  after  her  arrival.  All 
had  been  taken  from  the  lower  cabin  the  night  before,  and  for 
some  yards  from  the  door  of  the  corridor  to  the  place  where 
the  ambulance  stopped,  the  snow  was  red  with  the  blood  that 
had  drij^ped  from  the  wounds  of  the  patients.  As  we  neared 
the  boat  they  were  bringing  off  patients  on  stretchers  to  the 
ambulances,  while  others  were  walking.  Among  those  on  lit- 
ters, was  one  little  lump  of  humanity  so  small,  enveloped  in 
blankets,  as  to  make  me  doubt  whether  there  was  anything 
but  a  blanket.  Probably  a  wee  bit  of  a  drummer  boy,  I 
thought ;  and  it  might  have  been  the  same  little  fellow  of  fif- 
teen years,  who  I  have  since  learned  was  taken  into  one  of 
the  wards,  without  an}-  clothing  excej^t  blankets,  and  perfectly 
benumbed,  and  who  died  the  next  day.  Among  those  who 
walked,  I  saw  two  middle-aged  men,  with  their  arms  support- 
ing each  other,  looking  so  pale  and  emaciated  as  to  make  me 
wonder  whether  with  such  weak  and  uncertain  steps  they 
would  ever  reach  the  hosiDital. 

L^pon  entering  the  boat  we  saw  nothing  particularly  strik- 
ing to  those  w^ho  are  accustomed  to  hospital  scenes.  They 
were  about  lifting  another  man  on  a  stretcher,  when  a  surgeon 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  1G3 

told  them  they  must  wait  awhile  as  the  ambulances  were  full 
and  gone. 

"  What,  only  three  ambulances  to  such  a  big  hospital  as 
this !  "  said  one  patient.  "  Oh,  dear !  seems  like  we'd  never 
get  off,"  said  another. 

"  Oh,  carry  me  home,  oh,  carry  me  home," 

sang  out  another,  whose  healthy,  jovial  face  enveloped  in  a 
turned-up  overcoat  collar,  seemed  in  striking  contrast  to  the 
average  of  the  company.  But  a  pair  of  crutches  lying  upon 
the  bed  beside  him,  gave  proof  of  his  claim  to  make  one  of 
this  number. 

"  We'll  have  chance  to  stay  here  to  dinner,  yet,  to  say 
nothing  of  a  luncheon,"  he  mischievously  continued.  Pa- 
tients on  these  boats  complained  bitterly  of  their  fare. 

"  The  most  ravenous  set  I  ever  saw,"  said  the  man,  having 
charge  of  the  full  diet  in  our  ward,  two  days  afterward ;  "  they 
must  have  nearly  starved  them." 

They  commenced  dressing  one  man,  evidently  very  low, 
drawhig  on  his  clothes  very  slowly.  Then  they  paused,  and 
three  or  four  gathered  around.  The  steward  left  him,  came 
past  us,  unlocked  a  door,  and  taking  a  glass  drew  some  brandy 
from  a  keg.  "  Is  he  dying  ?"  was  inquired  in  a  low  tone- 
"  No,  but  very  low,"  was  the  reply.  The  liquor  was  given, 
and  he  revived  so  as  to  be  taken  to  the  hospital,  but  very 
likely  was  included  in  that  number  who  died  within  twent}^- 
four  hours.  I  profess  to  be  a  Good  TemjDlar,  but  I  some- 
times thank  the  Lord  fervently  for  good  brandy.  To  die  in 
a  pleasant  ward,  on  a  clean  bed,  and  with  every  needed  com- 
fort, and  a  letter  to  the  loved  ones  at  home,  with  even  this 
poor  comfort  for  them  was  better  than  to  die  tliere. 

We  passed  around  and  spoke  to  several ;  and  when  I  saw 
one  boy  of  about  eighteen,  from  a  distance,  I  said  to  myself, 


1G4  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

"  Surely  that  boy  is  able  to  go  to  the  front ;"  but  upon  ap- 
proaching, saw  what  was  the  matter. 

"  Ah,"  was  the  query,  "  how  long  since  that  foot  of  yours 
left  you  ?     You're  looking  well  enough  to  go  to  the  front." 

'•  I  «;??,"  said  he,  with  a  genial  smile  on  his  rosy  face.  "  It's 
only  about  three  weeks  since  my  foot  was  taken  off,  but  I 
havn't  been  sick  a  day.     I  am  ivell  enough." 

And  such  is  the  difference.  Blessed  are  those  who  go  into 
the  army  with  pure  blood,  sound  constitutions,  and  a  habit  of 
looking  on  the  bright  side. 

One  middle-aged  man,  whose  countenance  as  I  read  it,  told 
of  sterling  worth  and  stability  of  purpose,  was  lying  in  bed, 
and  with  glistening  eyes,  he  told  me  how  greatly  he  had  suf- 
fered, as  he  showed  me  the  heavy,  jagged  minie  ball  which 
had  ploughed  through  the  bones  of  his  ancle. 

"It  was  at  the  second  charge  on  the  loth,  and  of  the  IGtli 
army  corps,  at  Nashville.  I  had  fired  my  piece,  and  had 
dropped  on  my  knee  to  reload,  for  I  was  but  a  few  yards  from 
the  rebel  breastworks,  when  the  ball  struck  me.  I  was  taken 
to  hospital  No  1  ;  but  on  the  night  of  the  20th,  our  men  were 
all  taken  out  of  the  hospital  to  make  room  for  1,500  rebel 
prisoners.  There  was  a  cold  sleet  at  the  time.  I  took  cold  by 
being  taken  to  a  tent  where  I  suffered  dreadfully.  I  can 
never  tell  how  much  I  endured  there  for  several  days." 

Another  man  who  lay  near,  showed  me  a  rough  three-sided 
piece  of  iron,  weighing  about  a  quarter  of  a  pound,  which  he 
told  me  was  "  the  piece  of  shell  which  laid  him  up."  He  cor- 
roborated the  statement  of  the  other,  about  the  removal  from 
the  hospital.  Several  in  my  ward  have  told  me  the  same 
thing,  who  were  put  on  the  next  train  and  brought  here.  "  It 
was  understood,"  say  they,  "  that  we  were  taken  out  to  make 
way  for  1,500  wounded  rebel  prisoners."  And  it  is  the  testi- 
mony of  surgeons  here,  that  the  greater  portion  of  those  who 
came  on  those  boats,  "  were  not  fit  subjects  for  transfer." 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  165 

If  this  taking  of  sick  and  wounded  men  from  warm  quar- 
ters, and  sending  them  off  to  suffer  and  die,  that  rebels  may 
be  made  comfortable,  is  a  military  necessity,  I  "  don't  see  it," 
as  the  soldiers  say.  "  There  were  the  greatest  number  of  re- 
cent ampiitations,  on  the  large  boat,  I  ever  saw  together," 
said  the  lady  formerly  alluded  to,  who  visited  it. 

"  Fresh  amputations,  where  arms  had  been  taken  oiF  close 
to  the  shoulder,  were  sent  off  on  transfers,"  says  a  young  the- 
ological student,  at  present  a  patient  in  my  ward.  Here  is 
more  evidence.  I  was  at  the  gangrene  tents  and  barracks 
soon  after,  and  one  in  the  latter  place  said,  "  Oh,  my  wound  was 
looking  so  nice  when  I  left  Nashville,  but  there  were  150  of 
us,  whose  wounds  were  all  washed  with  one  sponge,  and  none 
were  dressed  but  once  a  day,  and  I  think  as  many  as  fifty  took 
gangrene.  There  were  five  who  did  in  this  room."  I  inquir- 
ed of  those,  and  found  it  their  testimony  also,  as  well  as  of 
others,  still,  who  were  at  the  tents.  One  told  me  he  had  gan- 
grene when  he  left  Nashville. 

As  far  as  regards  my  own  ward,  one  was  brought  here, 
with  gangrene  in  his  wound,  which  was  contracted  on  the 
boat.  He  was  brought  in  at  eleven  o'clock  one  day,  and  died 
at  eleven  the  next  night.  I  was  standing  by  his  bed  some 
two  hours  after  his  arrival,  taking  the  name  of  "  nearest  rela- 
tive "  to  write  to  for  him,  when  he  casually  mentioned  that  he 
"  did  have  a  brother  in  this  place  some  time  ago,  but  hadn't 
heard  from  him  in  a  month,  and  presumed  he  had  been  trans- 
ferred, or,  perhaps,"  said  he  faintly,  "  he  may  be  dead,  he  wrote 
he  was  pretty  sick.  He  was  in  ward  10,  and,  I  think,  Hospi- 
tal No.  8.  I  had  it  in  a  letter,  but  I  threw  it  away,  for  I  never 
expected  to  be  here." 

"We  have  no  Hospital  No.  8,  in  the  place,"  I  said,  "but 
are  you  sure  about  the  ward  ?" 

"  Yes,"  he  was  sure  the  ward  was  No.  10. 


166  HOSPITAL    TENCILLINGS. 

"  Then  if  your  brother  is  in  this  hospital,  I  can  find  him," 
but  not  to  excite  him  too  much,  I  added  that  very  likely,  as 
several  transfers  had  taken  place  within  that  time,  he  had 
been  sent  away.  I  started  out  immediately,  went  to  No.  10, 
called  for  the  ward-master,  and  found  that  the  man  I  was  seek- 
ing, was  well,  and  had  been  detailed  for  duty  in  the  bakery. 
I  started  again  on  the  covered  corridor,  just  now  such  a  con- 
venient protection  against  the  snow-storm,  passed  my  own 
ward,  and  went  to  the  bakery.  I  opened  the  door  and  saw 
some  three  men  within,  who  wore  the  badge  of  their  present 
emi3loyment,  in  the  shape  of  flour  on  their  clothing. 

"  Is  Mr.  Moses  C here  ?"  was  the  inquirj-. 

"  Yes,  that  is  my  name,"  said  a  young  man  stepping  for- 
ward. His  manner  and  tone  were  seriously  expectant,  why, 
was  soon  understood. 

"  You  have  a  brother  here,"  I  said. 

"  What,  not  a  wounded  brother  ?"  he  said  excitedly. 

"  Yes,"  I  said  ;  "  he  came  on  the  boat  to-day." 

"  Why,  I  have  a  brother  here  now,  just  from  home,  who 
had  started  for  Nashville  to  get  his  body,  for  they  had  heard 
that  he  was  dead.  Where  is  he  ?  What  ward  is  he  in  ?"  he  con- 
tinued, moving  towards  the  door. 

"  I  will  show  you,"  was  the  reply,  as  we  started  out;  "but 
your  brother  is  quite  low,  and  it  will  be  necessarj^  to  calm 
yourself,  so  as  to  excite  him  as  little  as  possible." 

He  promised  to  do  so,  and  I  made  him  wait  at  the  upper 
part  of  the  ward,  while  I  went  to  the  lower,  and  broke  the 
news  to  the  dying  man.  It  was  a  blessing  for  me  to  see  the 
kiss  given  and  received  by  the  dying  lips,  and  for  the  three 
brothers  it  was  a  blessed  privilege  to  meet  and  commune  that 
day  and  the  next,  before  death  hid  one  of  them  in  the  grave. 

Since  I  have  been  writing  this,  while  sitting  at  my  little 
stand,  near  the  door  of  the  ward,  a  man  came  quietly  in,  who 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  167 

paused,  waiting.  I  looked  up  and  saw  Mr.  King,  the  one 
mentioned  under  date  of  December  21st,  who  had  been  home 
on  a  furlough  to  get  his  starving  flimily  out  of  rebeldom.  Af- 
ter the  usual  salutations,  I  learned  the  sequel  to  that  before 
noted,  and  the  burden  of  the  story  condensed,  ran  thus : 

"  My  wife  got  the  five  dollars  you  sent,  so  she  and  the  chil- 
dren did  very  well  till  I  got  home.  The  guerrillas  came  into 
town  again,  last  Friday  was  a  week,  but  I  was  six  miles  from 
home  at  the  time.  They  came  and  robbed  the  stores  and 
were  away  again.  They  whipped  in  within  a  mile  of  a  Fed- 
eral regiment.  They  knew  when  to  come  mighty  well ;  when 
the  Unionists  ain't  to  home,  somebody  tells  'em.  The  Union 
folks  is  all  leavin'  the  place,  anyhow,  and  its  next  to  impossi- 
ble to  sell  anything.  I  sold  my  cow  for  forty  dollars,  and  two 
or  three  other  things  that  didn't  'mount  to  much,  an'  it  cost 
me  fifty  dollars  to  get  my  family  here.  Then  I've  had  to  pay 
'bout  six  dollars  for  tub,  wash-board  and  some  other  things 
we  couldn't  keep  house  without,  and  I've  but  a  little  left.  Do 
you  know  if  I'll  be  able  to  get  any  pay  this  time  ?  " 

"  Were  you  here  the  first  of  November  ?" 

"  No,  I  came  the  ninth." 

"  And  your  descriptive  roll  is  with  your  regiment  ?  " 

"  Yes." 

"  Then,  I'm  sorry  to  say,  you'll  get  no  pay  this  time." 

Then  he  hung  his  head,  and  said,  meditativel}'-  to  himself 
rather  than  to  me,  "  I  don't  know  how  I'll  get  along  then. 
I  got  here  in  town,"  he  continued,  "about  a  week  ago,  but  my 
furlough  wasn't  up  yet,  and  I  stayed  to  the  Refugee  House. 
I've  been  a-takin'  keer  o'  them  thar,  and  givin'  'em  medicine, 
for  thar  ain't  scarcely  one  thar  what  can  read  any  sort  o' 
handwritin',  an  I  brought  a  recommend  from  them,  axin'  Dr. 
G.  here,  if  I  can't  have  a  permanent  detail  an'  stay  thar. 
My  furlough's  just  out  to-day,  so  I  come  u})  to  report  an'  ax 
for  the  detail." 


1G8  HOSPITAL    PEXCILLINGS. 

So  much  for  his  story,  one  among  manj^ 

At  the  present  date,  I  have  but  two  or  three  very  sick  men 
in  the  ward,  and  the  one  who  is  probably  the  worst  tells  me 
that  he  is  "  right  smart  better,  this  morning."  Still  one  very 
bad  feature,  as  connected  with  the  institution,  has  developed 
itself  within  the  past  forty-eight  hours,  in  the  shape  of  some 
seven  cases  of  small-pox.  They  are  being  removed  to  the 
proper  hospital  at  Louisville. 

Saturday,  28. 

Charles  Stearns,  Co.  F,  177th  Ohio,  was  broken  out  this 
morning  with  what  seemed  to  me  measles.  Dr.  D.  soon  came 
in,  who  is  taking  the  place  of  the  ward  surgeon  for  some 
twenty  days,  he  having  gone  home  on  furlough.  As  soon  a 
I  saw  the  eruption  I  felt  nervously  apprehensive  of  what  may 
be  the  result,  for  I  remembered  the  sixty  cases  of  measles  in 
Nashville,  which  were  sent  to  the  small-pox  hospital.  I  told 
the  physician  of  this,  and  my  belief  that  the  man  had  mea- 
sles. But  he  thought  otherwise,  and  the  patient  was  taken 
from  his  warm  bed  close  by  the  fire,  and  carried  to  a  ten^ 
where  was  a  small-pox  patient.  I  hope  the  surgeon  was  wise 
in  removing  the  patient,  but  I  fear  the  worst.  Vaccination 
is  since  being  rapidly  performed. 

Sometimes  they  make  queer  mistakes  in  the  reports.  One 
man  was  detailed  for  light  duty  who  was  in  the  dead-house. 
Others  have  been  ordered  to  the  front  who  were  on  a  death- 
bed, and  others  are  reported  dead,  who  are  well. 

The  usual  punishment  for  almost  any  misdemeanor  is  the 
guard-house,  and  then  the  front.  Though  sometimes,  it  is  the 
carrying  of  a  large  stick  of  wood  on  the  shoulder,  or  a  board 
strapped  on  the  back  with  the  word  "  Drunkard,"  back  and 
forth  on  a  certain  walk,  so  many  hours  per  day. 

One  man  from  my  ward,  "  the  fancy  fellow,"  as  the  boys 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  169 

called  him,  because  lie  dressed  so  well,  refused  one  very  cold 
Sunday  morning  to  help  carry  coal  for  our  fires,  and  was  sent 
to  the  guard-house  and  then  to  his  regiment.  Another  stole 
a  pocket-book  and  met  with  the  same  fate.  At  the  time  of 
the  New  Years'  dinner,  it  was  stored  over  night  in  this  dining- 
room,  of  ward  12.  The  boxes  were  broken  open  that  eve, 
and  the  goodies  were  being  devoured  and  secreted  that  night 
and  next  morning.  Miss  H.  and  somebody  else,  chanced  to 
learn  the  fact,  and  it  was  reported  to  the  executive  officers. 
It  was  found  to  be  two  kitchen  boys,  and  one  patient  who  was 
having  extra  diet  carried  to  him.  Chickens  and  butter  were 
found  secreted  in  their  overcoats. 

These  were  promptly  sent  to  the  front.  One  man  was  sent 
to  the  guard-house  for  spitting  on  the  corridor.  On  Christ- 
mas, as  a  man  was  going  into  the  large  dining-hall  to  dinner, 
who  had  just  arrived  from  Nashville,  he  said  aloud  that  they 
were  "  going  to  have  a  feast  then,  and  live  on  crumbs  and 
scraps,  or  starve  for  a  week,  to  make  up."  Dr.  Mathewson, 
the  executive  officer,  overheard  the  grumbler,  and  he  took 
bread  and  water  in  the  guard-house  instead  of  a  Christmas  din- 
ner. 

Two  men  have  just  been  telling  me  of  a  little  story  of  one 
of  those  wise  refugees.  It  was  near  Kenesaw  Mt,  and  before 
the  battle  there.  The  regiment  had  a  large  tin  steam  oven 
in  their  possession.  This  was  mounted  upon  a  wagon,  and  as 
it  passed  a  house,  a  woman  with  open-mouthed  wonder  in- 
quired, 

"  What  that  thar  thing  was." 

"  That — oh,  that  is  one  of  Gen.  Sherman's  flanking  ma- 
chines," said  one  with  the  most  impurturbable  gravity. 

After  the  battle  of  Kenesaw  Mt.  they  passed  that  way 
again,  and  one  who  had  known  of  this  took  occasion  to  speak 
to  the  woman  of  the  result  of  the  battle,  and  she  replied : 

"  Wall,  its  no  wonder  weuns  got  whipped  for  Mr.  Hood 


170  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

haint  got  none  o'  them  flankin'  machines  what  Mr.  Sherman 
has.  I  don't  b'lieve  Mr.  Hood  could  get  one  o'  them  are  things 
in  all  this  ere  country  !" 

The  hearer,  also,  "  thought  he  couldn't." 

Tuesday  31. 

"  Charley,"  the  small-pox  patient,  was  sent  to  the  small-pox 
hospital  at  Louisville  yesterday.     I  still  think  it  measles. 

Saw  a  letter  last  eve,  which  had  originally  been  directed  to 
Cumberland  Hospital,  Nashville.  That  was  erased,  and  in 
red  ink  appeared  the  words,  "  transferred  to  Louisville,  Ken- 
tucky." There  it  had  been  marked  "  Clay  Hospital,  not 
here,"  "  Crittendon  Hospital,  not  here,"  Then  "  Jefferson 
Hospital,  Ward  7."  That  was  crossed  out,  and  the  words 
written  "  Tent  C.  Gangrene."  To-day  that  letter  was  carri- 
ed to  the  place,  by  Miss  French,  and  as  she  read  the  name 
aloud  one  man  exclaimed,  joyfully,  "  That's  my  name,"  then 
as  he  received  it,  he  said,  with  streaming  eyes,  "  God  bless  it !  " 

Februaet  5. 

Yesterday  morning  a  stalwart,  healthy  man,  stood  guard  on 
the  corridor  at  the  carriage  crossing,  who  at  night  was  lying 
in  the  dead-house,  the  victim  of  drunkenness. 

Dr.  C.  came  back  yesterday  from  his  furlough.  Patients 
all  rejoiced  to  see  him.  He  says  "  Charley,"  the  ward-mas- 
ter, and  I  both  look  as  if  we  had  been  sick.  We  have  had  a 
great  deal  to  do  and  are  quite  worn  out. 

First  sermon  in  the  new  chapel  to-day.  It  is  not  plastered 
and  was  quite  cold.  Everybody  sang  a  tune  of  their  own. 
The  building  of  this  chapel  is  Chaplain  O's  special  care  and 
great  anxiety.  And  though  he  has  several  hundred  volumes  of 
books  which  have  been  donated  for  the  use  of  the  patients  of 
this  hospital,  yet  he  keej^s  them  all  closely  boxed  up,  until 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  171 

the  reading-room  in  the  chapel  is  finished,  which  may  not  be 
done  before  the  hospital  is  broken  up.  It  is  such  a  pity  when 
there  are  so  many  hundred  men  passing  through  here  who 
need  them. 

Have  just  learned  that  my  diagnosis  of  the  so-called 
"  small-pox  patient,"  was  correct.  It  was  a  bitter  cold  day, 
the  river  was  frozen,  and  the  ferry-boats  not  running,  and  he 
was  taken  via  New  Albany  to  the  small-pox  hospital.  He 
was  carried  the  twelve  miles  in  an  ambulance  in  his  bed,  and 
without  being  dressed.  He  took  cold,  and  was  kept  only 
thirty-six  hours  at  that  hospital,  when  it  was  decided  that  he 
had  measles  and  he  was  sent  to  the  measles  hospital.  Last 
night  when  his  brother  visited  him,  he  was  not  conscious.  He 
cannot  live.     He  has  fallen  a  victim  to  what  ? 

February  7.     He  died  yesterday. 

February  11. 

Two  men  started  home  on  a  furlough  to-day.  One  of  them 
W.  C.  Stewart,  Co.  I.  7th  111.  Cav.,  it  seems  is  of  a  family  of 
heroes.  His  father  was  in  the  revolutionary  war,  his  oldest 
son  was  in  the  Mexican,  was  wounded  and  exempt  in  this. 
But  the  father  says  he  did  not  say  to  his  other  three  sons 
"  go  "  but  "  come,"  and  went  with  them.  One  was  killed  at 
the  battle  of  Corinth.  He  tells  me  that  when  home  on  a  vet- 
eran furlough,  the  copperheads  of  the  place  had  determined 
the  soldiers  should  not  vote.  "  But,"  said  he,  "  we  gave  them 
to  understand  we  would  fis^ht  for  the  ri<;ht  if  needful,  and 
some  eight  of  us  armed  ourselves  and  marched  to  the  polls, 
and  every  one  voted."  He  says  also  that  one  of  his  sons  was 
offered  $1,000,  to  go  as  substitute,  ''but"  said  he,  as  the  deter- 
mination of  the  patriot  blazed  in  his  eyes,  though  over  sixty 
years  of  age  and  unable  to  stand  without  leaning  on  both 
crutches,  "  If  he  had  been  bought  to  stand  up  as  a  mark  for 


172  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

rebel  bullets  for  another  man,  after  fightiug  them  so  bravely 
as  he  had,  I'd  have  been  almost  tempted  to  have  shot  him 
myself.  He  re-enlisted  to  fight  for  himself  This  furlough 
has  been  a  long  time  coming,  but  if  I  get  home  in  time  to  see 
the  copi^erheads  squirm  when  the  draft  comes  off,  it  '11  do." 

Miss  McNett  says  a  humorous  patient  in  her  ward,  who  has 
eaten  almost  nothing  for  a  day  or  two,  upon  her  asking  what 
he  would  have  said,  "  Oh,  almost  any  thmg,  if  it  has  a  wo- 
man's finger  in  it." 

One  middle-aged  man  at  the  gangrene  w\ard  told  me  last 
Sunday  that  it  "  did  do  the  men  so  much  good,  to  have  a  wo- 
man come,  if  she  didn't  say  more  'n  one  word,  it  revived  'em 
so ;"  and  he  earnestly  appealed  to  the  ward-master  if  it  was 
not  the  case,  and  who  agreed  with  him. 

In  contrast  to  this  was  the  assurance  of  a  surgeon  in  one  of 
the  wards  to  the  lady,  Mrs.  C,  that  the  lady  nurses  here,  were 
regarded  by  the  generality  of  the  surgeons  as  "j^ermitted 
nuisances."  Nevertheless  I  am  strongly  of  the  opinion  that 
if  either  of  the  surgeons  should  be  really  sick,  tliey  would  be 
very  glad  to  get  "  something  with  a  woman's  finger  in  it," 
even  though  not  frank  enough  to  own  it.  And  some  of  us  at 
least  came  only  to  take  care  of  the  sick,  and  care  much  more 
for  their  apjoroval,  than  for  any  slights  which  can  be  given  by 
others. 

Mrs.  R.  is  joyfully  elated  this  morning,  for  she  tells  us 
earnestly  that  her  "  men  all  complain  of  being  hetter.  On  the 
contrary  one  of  mine  informs  me  that  he  has  "  got  a  big  mis- 
ery in  his  breast,"  another  that  he  is  "  a  heap  hetter  than  yes- 
terday," and  another  that  he's  right  smart  hetter,  iho\\^\  pow- 
erful weak  yet,  thank  you  madam." 

Don't  know  whether  he  has  me  to  thank  for  all  of  that,  or 
not. 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  173 

An  order  has  just  been  received  from  the  surgeon-general, 
to  the  effect  that  no  lady  nurses  shall  be  kept  in  hospitals,  ex- 
cept soldier's  wives  .and  widows. 

Dr.  C,  but  especially  Mr.  Bayne,  say  they  shall  have  to 
hunt  me  up  a  soldier,  and  the  latter  inquires  seriously,  and 
with  a  very  fatherly  air,  if  "  red  whiskers  will  be  a  serious  ob- 
jection." I  tell  him  it  will  "  not  be  an  insuperable  objection, 
as  I  expect  to  make  sacrifices  for  the  good  of  my  country." 

February  17. 

Yesterday  was  an  April  day  in  my  calendar.  The  showers 
came  when  Mr.  B.,  one  of  nature's  noblemen,  a  gentleman 
and  a  scholar,  albeit  our  "kitchen  man,"  and  also  honest, 
warm-hearted  and  cheerfid  Peter,  chief  wound-dresser,  were 
ordered  to  their  own  State,  N.  J.  It  was  a  matter  of  regret 
all  around,  to  themselves  and  everybody  else.  It  seems  a 
pity  that  such  responsible  positions  as  chief  nurse  and  wound- 
dresser,  those  who  by  long  experience  know  their  duties  and 
have  the  confidence  of  the  invalids,  should  be  made  so  light 
of.  These  same  men,  after  reporting  in  their  own  State,  may 
remain  in  some  hospital  for  months  without  having  any  part 
in  the  work  for  which  they  are  so  well  fitted.  But  the  order 
came  from  a  superior  officer,  ordering  "  all  New  Jersey  men 
who  were  able  to  bear  transportation  to  report  at  Washington." 
So  much  for  the  showers. 

The  sunshine  was  poured  on  amid  the  showers  by  the  ar- 
rival of  the  Eev.  D.  P.  Livermore,  from  Chicago,  with  seven 
boxes  and  a  barrel  of  sanitary  stores,  for  Mrs.  Colton  and 
myself.  These  contained  a  nice  supply  of  flannels,  dressing- 
gowns,  rags  for  wounds  and  dried  and  canned  fruit.  Wasn't 
I  overjoyed  ?  could  hardly  sleep  last  night. 

February  23. 

Have  been  urged,  on  account  of  my  failing  health,  to  ac- 
30 


174  HOSriTAL     TENCILLINGS. 

company  a  friend  to  her  home  for  a  rest  of  ten  days.  Had 
decided  to  do  so,  but  the  ward-master  is  taken  sick,  threatened 
with  fever,  and  one  other  poor  boy  is  running  down  so  fast  I 
feel  that  I  must  stay  if  possible.  Will  try  to  get  well  here, 
and  attend  to  them  also.     Sick  the  last  twenty-four  hours. 

Patients  in  this  hospital  do  not  think  much  of  other  hos- 
pitals in  comparison.  As  one  evidence  among  many,  will 
give  extracts  from  two  letters  just  received,  one  by  myself 
another  hj  a  patient,  from  our  lamented  Mr.  B.  He  writes 
thus  graphically : 

"  AYard  3,  Newark,  N.  J.,  February  19,  1865. 

My  Dear  Miss  P. — We  duly  reached  this  delectable  dump- 
ing-ground, after  fifty-six  hours  of  almost  incessant  motion. 
The  establishment  consists  of  an  ancient  tannery,  located  pic- 
turesquely among  lumber-yards,  railroads,  debris  of  all  kinds, 
and  the  Passaic  river.  The  result  fulfills  my  i^u'emonitions,  I 
can  only  pray  that  my  stay  may  be  short. 

I  have  no  doubt  that  the  loss  of  my  valuable  endeavors  at 
the  Jefferson,  in  the  artistic  arrangement  of  bread  and  molas- 
ses, has  proved  irreparable.  But  I  am  consoled  by  the  reflec- 
tion that  this  is  not  the  first  blunder,  evincing  lack  of  states- 
manship, made  by  Lincoln's  administration  during  this  w^r. 
What  the  consequences  are  likely  to  be,  it  would  not  be  safe 
to  predict. 

I  think  Dr.  Mathewson  must  be  a  miserable  man,  coming 
in  as  he  does,  and  breaking  up  the  civil,  political  and  social  re- 
lations of  men  and  women,  as  good  as  himself.  Don't  you 
think  so  too  ?  It  seems  impossible  that  he  should  sleep  well 
o'nights.  Ergo,  he  must  be  sijlenetic  and  dyspej^tic  in  the 
morning.  Ergo,  he  must  be  very  unhappy.  I  believe  too  he 
has  black  whiskers,  and  I  have  read  in  that  highly  exciting, 
historical  romance,  entitled  "  The  Bloody  Shoe  String,  or  the 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  175 

Murdered  Milkmaid,"  that  pirates  and  assassins  always  have 
black  whiskers.  I  leave  the  reader  to  draw  his  own  infer- 
ence. Very  different  is  Dr.  Chapman's  unhappiness.  It  is 
of  that  godly,  (or  goodly-something)  sort,  which  Paul  tells 
about,  that  one  need  not  be  sorry  for." 

"  Upon  our  arrival,  we  were  immediately  regaled  with  cold 
tea,  stale  bread  and  strong  butter.  We  were  then  shown  up 
to  a  loft  in  the  building,  and  given  beds  filled  with  straw,  with 
but  one  sheet,  ditto  blanket,  but  as  there  were  no  open  win- 
dows, or  ventillators,  and  we  were  very  tired  we  snored  away 
very  comfortably  till  morning.  At  breakfast  we  were  regaled 
with  rye  coffee,  and  stale  bread  and  the  aforesaid  strong  but- 
ter ;  after  which  about  twenty  doctors,  headed  by  a  small  man 
with  a  sword,  marched  through  the  ward,  the  little  man  call- 
ing out  "  salute,  salute,"  as  he  traveled  along. 

The  little  doctor  was  the  surgeon-in-charge.  This  place  is 
just  what  I  knew  it  was.  If  a  man  blows  his  nose  too  loud, 
he  goes  to  the  guard-house,  and  there  is  $5.00  reward  for  tell- 
ing who  spits  on  the  floor.  I  don't  know  what  they  do  with 
them.  Very  likely  they  are  drowned  in  the  river  close  by, 
for  I  don't  see  what  else  the  river  was  put  there  for.  Last 
week,  I  am  told,  two  men  became  so  disgusted  with  the  place, 
that  one  shot  himself  and  the  other  hung  himself,  and  others 
are  thinking  seriously  of  the  same  thing. 

Depend  upon  it  New  Jersey  is  a  great  country,  if  it  was 
only  white-washed  and  fenced  in. 

This  morning  I  asked  the  doctor  for  a  pass  for  forty-eight 
hours.  But  he  assured  me  that  I  might  run  away,  and  never 
come  back.  Then  I  asked  for  a  pass  to  go  out  and  see  the 
town,  but  he  could  not  attend  to  me  then.  Peter,  however  is 
out,  and  B.  S.  who  you  remember  went  from  Ward  1  on  a 
furlough,  has  not  reported  at  all,  and  is  going  about  town. 

The  nurses  and  ward-master  here  are  citizens  employed  by 


176  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

Government  at  $25  per  month,  and  a  filthy,  saucy  crowd  they 
are.  The  wardmaster  in  my  ward  is  an  Irishman  who  can- 
not read  or  write  correctly.  Every  body  must  do  his  own 
washing,  or  hire  it  done,  and  must  find  all  his  own  clothes. 
They  have  neither  slippers,  nor  gowns,  and  every  man  tum- 
bles into  his  straw-bed,  when  he  arrives,  with  just  what  he 
has  on  his  back.  We  have  no  women  in  the  wards,  and  I 
don't  see  as  they  have  any  light  diet.  The  men  that  are  not 
able  to  get  down  stairs  have  the  same  food  brought  to  them 
as  is  given  the  convalescents.  The  ward  doctor  sits  in  his  of- 
fice, and  the  men  that  are  able  to  walk  must  go  to  him  for 
their  quinine. 

Take  it  all  in  all,  this  is  the  greatest  institution  I  have  ever 
visited.  It  should  by  all  means  have  the  leather  medal. 
This  is  the  stripe  of  the  United  States  army  hospitals,  to  the 
Eastward,  within  ten  miles  of  New  York.  Don't  you  wish 
you  was  here  ?     It  is  so  nice." 

Signed, 


March  2. 

Willie  B.  says  it  is  necessary  for  a  man  to  get  so  that  he 
weighs  180  pounds,  before  he  can  be  admitted  to  the  invalid 
corps.  He  is  an  Alabamian,  and  has  been  telling  me  of  his 
escape  from  home.     He  says  : 

"  We  had  hid,  and  laid  out  in  the  woods  for  ten  or  twelve 
months,  and  were  tired  of  it.  There  were  nine  boys  of  us. 
We  travelled  fifteen  miles  the  first  night,  and  in  the  morning, 
soon  after  the  last  of  the  boys  had  joined  us,  we  reached 
Sand  Mt.,  and  after  a  little  wliile  we  heard  a  horn  in 
the  valley,  and  we  thought  in  a  minute  what's  up.  And  sure 
enough,  we  were  right,  and  the  bloodhounds  and  the  hunters 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 


177 


came  on  after  us.  The  dogs  had  a  strap  of  leather  round 
their  necks  and  an  iron  rod  to  each  couj^le,  parting  them 
about  a  foot  and  a  half.  Then  we  started  in  earnest,  and  one 
of  the  boys  said  "  let  us  set  fire  to  the  woods."  Then  we 
made  for  that  side  of  the  mountain  where  the  woods  were,  and 
set  them  on  fire  and  then  waited  till  the  dogs  lost  our  trail  in 
the  ashes  and  set  oat  on  the  side  from  which  the  wind  came. 
We  travelled  five  nights,  hiding  by  day,  and  reached  the 
Union  lines  at  Bridgeport,  where  we  all  enlisted." 

Another  death  of  one  of  our  members  occurred  some  time 
since,  which  I  neglected  to  note  in  its  proper  place.  He  was 
a  German,  Valentine  Rowe,  of  the  72d  Ohio.  He  had  been 
a  great  sufferer,  had  been  twice  out  to  the  gangrene  tents 
and  suffered  greatly  from  burning  and  hemorrhage.  He  was 
a  long  time  dying,  did  not  know  it,  but  "  wondered  when  that 
pain  would  ever  get  stopped  in  his  chest." 

"SYarfel  was  just  telling  me  of  the  narrow  escape  of  one  of 
our  nurses  last  night.  He  was  on  duty  as  guard  and  nurse  in 
the  ward,  but  had  lain  down  and  fiillen  asleep.  When  the  of- 
ficer of  the  day  came  in,  whose  duty  it  is  to  visit  every  sick 
ward  at  midnight,  and  who  chanced  to  be  Dr.  D.  who  attend- 
ed here  in  the  absence  of  the  ward  surgeon  on  furlough,  he 
called  out  "  nurse,  nurse,"  then  added,  "  I  shall  have  to  re- 
port him  but  I  hate  to  do  it ;  perhaps,"  he  added,  "  he  has 
gone  out  after  coal." 

So  he  passed  down  through  the  ward  to  the  ward-master's 
room  and  closed  the  door  behind  him.  Then  one  of  the  pa- 
tients, a  paralytic,  having  a  little  bag  of  salt  which  lie  had  to 
use  with  eggs,  threw  it  on  the  nurse  and  waked  him.  He 
suspected  something  of  the  truth  and  started  up,  though  more 
asleep  tlian  awake.  "  Run,"  said  one  "  catch  up  the  coal- 
bucket  and  run  out."  But  he  had  just  taken  it  up  when  hear- 
ing the  back  door  open,  upon   the  hurried  advice  of  another 


178  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

lie  commenced  the  viojoroiis  fillinoj  of  a  stove.  The  docter 
came  up  and  said  good-naturedly  : 

"  Oh,  you  were  out  for  coal,  wasn't  you  ?" 

I  am  sorry  to  record  here,  that  very  unwelcome  fact,  that 
one  soldier  at  least  was  known  to  i3erpetrate  an  untruth. 

The  patients  showed  by  their  action  in  the  matter  that  he 
was  considered  at  least  "  worth  his  salt." 

Sunday  5. 

Have  been  reading  to  C.  T.  Bryant,  from  "  Stumbling 
Blocks,"  by  Gail  Hamilton.  This  patient  has  lain  on  his  bed 
over  two  months  in  this  ward,  from  a  wound  received  at 
Nashville. 

Also  attended  the  baptism  of  a  young  man  by  the  name  of 
Ray,  from  Niles,  Michigan.  His  sister  is  with  him.  She  has 
got  discharge  papers  just  made  out  for  him  a  few  hours  since, 
and  he  was  so  anxious  to  get  home  to  die.  But  his  death  has 
been  hourly  expected  the  last  twenty -four  hours. 

He  was  sick  some  months,  about  a  year  since  and  received 
a  discharge  furlough.  He  was  without  money,  and  a  lawyer 
at  home  offered  to  loan  him  some,  and  take  his  papers  and 
draw  the  pay  for  him.  The  i3apers  were  mislaid  and  lost. 
Then  he  was  taken  for  a  deserter,  and  carried  in  irons  to  Lou- 
isville. There  he  was  released,  as  a  file  of  the  furlough  ap- 
peared on  the  books,  but  .instead  of  being  allowed  his  dis- 
charge as  had  been  promised,  he  was  sent  to  his  regiment. 

The  disease  was  checked  only,  and  it  has  brought  him  here 
to  die. 

March  10. 

River  very  high  yesterday,  \\p  to  the  second  story  of  some 
houses  in  Louisville,  but  this  hospital  is  on  Mount  Arrarat. 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  179 

It  froze  last  night,  and  is  "  right  cold  "  to-day,  as  Illinoisans 
express  it.     Old  winter  is  giving  us  a  parting  grip. 

Mrs.  C.  has  been  telling  me  one  or  two  incidents  which  I 
will  note  down  ;  she  has  lived  in  Missouri  and  Louisiana.  In 
crossing  the  plains,  as  they  stopped  at  a  place  they  inquired 
the  news. 

"  Well,"  said  one  in  a  whining  voice,  who  had  said  he  was 
from  that  famous  place,  of  "  Hooppole  township,  Rosey  Coun- 
ty, Indiana,"  '•  Lee  has  whipped  the  Federals  all  to  pieces." 

"  You  lie,  sir,"  said  Mrs.  C.  quite  emphatically,  and  besides 
you're  a  copperhead  and  rebel  sympathizer." 

"  Oh,  you're  too  hard  on  the  man,"  said  a  gentleman  of  her 
own  party,  "  we  don't  know  but  the  report  is  correct,  or  if  not, 
he  may  have  told  it  as  he  heard  it." 

"  I  say  he  is  a  copperhead,"  she  affirmed, "  for  when  you 
hear  a  man  say  '  Lee  has  whipped  the  Feds  all  to  pieces, 
and  say  it  as  if  he  enjoyed  it — and  besides  he  was  looking 
down  and  digging  his  toes  into  the  ground  when  he  said  it — its 
safe  to  pronounce  him  one.  And,"  she  continued,  "  I'll  wager 
what  money  I  have  against  a  penny,  that  if  we  ask  those  peo- 
ple who  are  coming  what  the  news  is,  we  shall  get  a  different 
report,  for  just  after  a  rebel  defeat,  you'll  always  hear  cop- 
perheads relate  the  dispatches  which  come  through  their 
grape-vine  telegraph." 

A  party  here  rode  up,  and  selecting  one  who  wore  the  garb 
of  a  Union  soldier,  which  contrasted  with  the  butternut 
clothes  of  the  sympathizer,  she  said  : 

"  Sir,  I  recognize  you  as  a  United  States  soldier  by  your 
dress,  will  you  be  kind  enough  to  tell  us  the  latest  news  ?" 
"  Madam,"  was  the  reply,  "  the  very  latest  news  as  I  under- 
stand it,  is  that  Grant  has  got  Lee  just  where  he  wants  him." 

I  note  this,  not  merely  as  an  incident  to  remember,  but 
more  as  a  reminiscence  f©r  myself  and  as  characteristic  of  the 


180  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

woman.  She  is  one  of  our  eloquent  and  praying  Christians, 
but  of  a  strong  and  easily  kindled  temperament.  She  is  of 
Southern  blood  and  her  father  was  a  slaveholder,  but  no 
stronger  abolitionist  can  be  found  than  herself. 

She  tells  me  that  a  Dr.  Dods,  of  Clark  County,  Missouri,  was 
visited  one  day  by  rebels.  Doctor  and  his  wife  had  seen 
them  coming,  and  she  had  told  him  to  hide  in  the  corn-field, 
and  supposed  he  had  done  so,  when  instead,  he  had  gone  to 
the  cellar.  His  wife,  upon  their  asking  to  be  shown  over  the 
house,  manifested  the  greatest  willingness  and  lighted  them 

'  o  s  o 

to  the  cellar,  and  went  round  with  them  telling  what  was  in 
this  barrel  and  what  in  that.  Her  husband  was  lying  behind 
the  one  containing  vinegar."  "  I  believe  this  is  cider,"  said 
one  of  the  men  laying  his  hand  on  the  barrel. 

"  No,  it  is  vinegar,"  said  the  wife,  and  both  passed  on,  she 
supposing  it  policy  to  keep  them  there  as  long  as  possible, 
but  the  doctor  was  not  discovered.  The  lady  is  first  cousin  to 
J.  C.  Breckenridge,  and  the  doctor  the  same  to  Mrs.  Lincoln. 

Mrs.  Rumsey  says  in  making  some  artificial  flowers  for  her 
ward,  she  remarked  to  some  of  the  patients  who  were  near, 
that  such  a  flower  was  "  the  emblem  of  innocence  and  purity." 
"  Oh,  fie  !  "  said  one,  '"  innocence  and  jDurity  are  about  played 
out  in  the  army." 

This  is  about  equal  to  the  remark  of  another,  in  speaking 
of  the  practice  by  Chaplain  Fitch  of  holding  service  in  the 
wards  and  praying  with  the  sick  men,  he  said  :  "  The  Chap- 
lain knows  what  he's  about,  he's  just  playing  off." 

The  comic  or  ludicrous  is  often  mixed  up  with  the  serious, 
here  as  elsewhere.  Mrs.  R.  says  that  the  other  day  as  her- 
self, the  nurses  and  some  of  the  patients  were  standing  by 
the  bed  of  one  of  the  patients,  who  was  just  breathing  his 
last,  one  of  them,  who  lisps,  broke  the  solemn  silence  by  say- 
ing with  a  sigh,  and  slowly  and  solemnly, — 

"  Heth  justh  gone  up  the  thspout !  " 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  181 

March  16. 

All  are  better  in  my  ward  ;  except  one  who  was  brought  in 
some  four  days  since,  and  who  will  probably  not  survive 
twenty-four  hours.  Nineteen  out  of  the  thirty-nine  at  pre- 
sent here,  are  to  have  furloughs  to  their  own  States.  Have 
been  w^aiting  some  time  for  their  transferal  before  taking  a 
furlough. 

Yesterday,  went  over  to  Louisville,  on  the  ferry-boat  which 
is  so  strangely  named  "  John  Shallcross,"  the  name  of  one  of 
the  owners.  "  Sue  Mundy,"  alias  Jerome  Clark,  a  noted 
guerrilla  was  executed.  We  heard  the  drum  and  saw  people 
going  to  the  terrible  sight-seeing. 

Received  Government  tickets  for  furlough. 

Day  before  yesterday  listened  to  an  interesting  lecture  in 
our  chapel  by  Dr.  J.  S.  Newbery,  Sanitary  agent  of  Louis- 
ville.    Subject — California. 

Powell,  of  Adams  County,  Indiana,  died  last  night.  Write 
and  send  lock  of  hair  as  usual,  to  his  wife.  Also,  for  Samuel 
B.  Sefton  who  died  in  Ward  7,  formerly  from  this  ward.  For 
the  former,  two  days  since,  I  read  the  j'^rs^  letter  he  had  ever 
received  in  his  life.  He  is  Xwenty-six  years  of  age,  has  a  wife 
and  two  children. 

The  paymaster  has  been  here  and  some  of  the  boys  have 
had  too  much  of  him.  A  quarrel  to-night  in  my  ward,  and  a 
fight  in  Ward  6,  in  which  two  men  were  shot.  The  guard- 
house is  full.  Pity  the  sutler  could  not  be  tied  up  by  his 
thumbs  in  the  place  of  one  who  has  had  too  much  of  his  heer  (?) 
Coaxed  away  a  jar  of  brandy  peaches  from  one  of  my  pa- 
tients and  substituted  canned  peaches.  Had  I  not,  some  three 
or  four  of  the  patients  would  have  been  too  tipsey  for  their 
own  self-possession  in  a  short  time  and  seen  the  guard-house 
before  morning. 
31 


182  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

March  19. 

A  sad  cjay,  for  us  all.  Dr.  C.  our  ward  surgepn,  received 
orders  to  Teport  for  duty  to  I^ashvilje.  The  patients  are  all 
very  sad,  ^nd  he  feels  the  parting  also.  We  improvised  a  lit 
tie  oyster  sujDper  after  the  table  was  cleared  of  the  full  diet, 
for  Ijhe  ward-master  and  the  old  nurses.  A  torn,  table  cloth 
fi'om  that  Sanitary-box  of  rags,  was  cut  in  two  for  the  narrow 
pine  board,  and  looked  quite  like  civilized  life.  "We  had  oys- 
ters, a  can  of  peaches,  fresh  butter  and  crackers,  purchased  of 
the  sutler,  and  had  a  sadly  lengthened,  meal.     He.^oes  in  the 


March  22.  "    '■  ■  ' 

One  of  the  young  nurses  in  the  ward,  wlio  told  me  yester- 
day moruin^  that  he  "had  to  get  tipsey  for  th^ first  time  yet 
in  his  life,"  was  last  night  unable  to  walk  straight,  and  distin- 
guished himself  by  talking  loud,  enacting  the  braggadocio  by 
that,  and  by  kickiug  over  spittopns.  He  was  .'coaxed  off  to 
bed  at^  the  tents,  to  prevent  his  being  ^aken  to  tlie  guard- 
house. This  morning,  the  boys  were  joking  hini  as  I  entered 
the  ward,  when  he  said  they  "  all  talked  as  if  he  was  drunk, 
when  he  wasn't  at  all.  But  Charley  told  him  that  "  a  man 
must  be  pretty  far  gone  when  he  would  feel  his  own  pulse  to 
see  whether  he  was  dead  or  not,"  which  he  had  confessed  do- 
ing the  day  before  when  he  woke  up  at  the  tents,  "  Ipecause  he 
had  felt  so  strangely."  Jehu  confesses  that  though  never  in 
the  guard-house  for  di'inking,  yet  he  served  considerable  of 
his  time  in  one  while  at  Memphis,  but  says  that  it  was  all  on 
account  of  the  pigs,  turkeys  and  chickens  iu  Tennessee,  that 
they  would  bite  a  fellow  so  that  he  was  obliged  to  kill  tliem 
in  self  defence." 

"  That's  so,"  says  Willie  B.  most  seriously,  and  with  an 
ominous  shake  of  his  head,  upon  which  he  wears  a  famous 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  183 

white  cap  of  my  making,  to  hide  his  shaven  crown,  and  snap- 
ping that  one  keen  eye  of  his,  "  I  declare  if  them  Tennessee 
pigs  and  chickens  don't  beat  everything.  I  tell  you  a  fellow 
has  to  stand  on  his  guard  there,  or  they'd  eat  him  up  ! " 

Willie,  by  the  by,  says-heh^s  "lost  the  last  cap  I  made 
for  him  to  wear  o'nights,  and  he  suspects  the  executive  offi- 
cer must  have  confiscated  it,  when  he  was  round  on  inspec- 
tion, last  Sunday  morning." 

A  humorous  patient,. who  professed  to  rejoice  in  the  initials 
of  D.  G.  W.  G.  H.  A.,  and  the  corresponding  short  name 
of  Don  Garabaldi  Ulysses  Gabriel  Hall  Adams,  has  been  tan- 
talizing my  pencil,  ope  naoment  by  very  interesting  recitals  of 
hair-breadth  escapes  as  a  spy  and  among  guerrillas,  and  the 
next  by  assuring  me  with  equal  gravity  that  he  16  first  cousin 
to  Gen,  Grant,  second  to  Sherman  and  third  to  Garibaldi,  or 
something  else  equally  incredible. 


i  .J 
I 


184  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 


CHAPTER    XI. 

Jefferson  Hospital,  March  27,  1865. 

"  You  can  charge  it  to  the  Sanitary  ! " 

Now  it  came  to  pass  these  words  were  spoken  upon  this 
wise  :  the  sanitary  carriage  had  started  out  from  the  hospital 
when  we  saw  two  men — the  elder  carrying  a  portmanteau  and 
evidently  the  father — the  other,  a  pale,  emaciated  invalid,  who 
with  feeble  and  uncertain  steps  was  following.  The  carriage 
halted.  "  Wont  you  ride,  and  where  do  you  wish  to  go  ?  " 
were  the  queries.  These  elicited  the  facts  that  the  son  was 
wounded,  had  two  ribs  broken,  had  had  gangrene,  had  ob- 
tained a  special  transfer  to  Camp  Denison  near  his  home,  and 
his  father  had  come  for  him.  After  some  hesitation  the  sick 
boy  entered  the  carriage  and  was  taken  to  the  ferry.  As  his 
father  helped  him  out  he  inquired,  somewhat  nervously,  prob- 
ably rating  the  fare  in  proportion  to  the  easy  cushions, 

"What  is  the  bill?" 

"  You  can  charge  it  to  the  Sanitary,"  said  the  little  lady  as 
she  wheeled  the  ponies. 

Yes,  Northern  friends,  if  that  dear  one  of  yours  who  has 
been  sick  or  wounded  and  in  hospital,  is  ever  nursed  back  to 
health  and  life,  and  restored  to  your  arms  again — bearing 
honorable  scars  it  may  be,  or  the  loss  of  an  arm  or  limb,  but 
your  darling  and  a  hero  nevertheless — if  the  truth  were 
known,  you  could  often  "  charge  it  to  the  Sanitary."  And 
even  he  might  not  have  known  it  himself.  We  deal  out  in 
such  bounteous  measure  the  gifts  of  the  good  genius,  that  often 
we  do  not  think  to  say  to  the  recipient,  "  This  is  a  Sanitary 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  185 

carriage  you  take  your  first  ride  for  months,  io  this  morning,' 
or  "  this  is  a  Sanitary"  sling,  shirt  or  handkerchief,  pad,  pillow 
or  crutch."  And  the  fresh  egg,  lemon,  orange,  apj^le-butter, 
blackberry  jam,  canned  peaches,, berries,  or  the  cordial,  jelly, 
wine  or ,  green  tea,  maj,  not  oftep  come  with  the  word  Sani- 
tary ;  but  if  he  says  it  "  makes  him  think  of  home,"  we  often 
tell  him  it  came  from  there,  if  home  means  North,  East  or 
"West,  Some  go  down  even  to  the  gates  of  death  and  are 
won  back  by  these  agencies  in  the  hands  of  a  loving  father^ 
without  knowing  it,  while  still  others  are  deeply  sensitive  ot 
both  the  presence  and  the  shield  from  death. 

"  I  know  that  dried  beef  saved  my  life,"  said  a  sufferer  in 
the  gangrene  ward,  "  I  could  not,  positively,  eat  a  mouthful  ot 
anything  for  days,  till  Mrs.  B.  cooked  me  some  of  that.  Then 
she  brought  me  some  every  day  till  my  appetite  came  for 
other  things."  Another  pale,  emaciated  man — a  Frenchman, 
in  the  same  ward,  said  the  same  ,thing  of  potato  soup  and 
green  tea,  who  I  found  had  eaten  nothing  previously  for  four 
da-ys.  Said  a  German,  in  the  same  place,  under  whose  arm  I 
put  a  soft  cotton  pad,  "  Oh  !  I  wouldn't  take  ten  dollars  for 
that  pad,  it  is  so  nice,  and  my  arm  was  getting  so  bed  sore 
lying  on  these  hard  husks  ! " 

This  same  pad,  by  the  by,  had  come  from  some  aid  society 
filled  with  rags — not  a  very  soft  cushion  for  a  wound  to  lie 
on.  I  had  thrown  the  rags  away  and  substituted  cotton. 
Pads  will  do  very  well  as  props,  filled  with  straw  or  hay,  if 
there  are  cotton  ones  \o  lay  above,  next  the  limb,  but  rags  had 
better  be  sold  as  such,  rather  than  pay  transportation  thereon. 
Of  course  I  shall  not  be  understood  as  referring  to  white 
rags  which  are  large  enough  to  dress  wounds,  those  never 
come  amiss.  But  do  not  mark  boxes  or  barrels  containing 
those  as  "  bandages,"  the  latter  being  much  more  plentiful 
than  the  former. 
32 


186  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

"  I  do  believe  I  would  be  willing  to  give  ten  dollars  for  a 
a  feather  pillow  to  lay  my  bead  on  to-night,"  said  that  young 
hero  "  Willie "  who  had  run  away  from  bloodhounds  in 
Alabama,  and  whose  shaven  head  was  throbbing  with  the 
disfiguring  erysipelas.  He  had  the  pillow,  and  it  came  with- 
out money  and  without  price,  a  gift  from  some  noble,  unknown 
Northern  lady. 

"  God  bless  them,"  have  I  mentally  ejaculated  scores  of 
times  upon  such  occasions,  or  when  the  jams,  the  pickles, 
peaches,  berries,  or  other  delicacy,  was  the  only  thing  which 
the  palate  would  not  refuse,  and  by  which  could  be  coaxed 
back  the  appetite.  Oh,  if  they  could  only  know  and  see,  as 
we  do,  the  lives  sai^^ed,  or  the  hours  lengthened,  comforted 
and  cheered,  they  would  not  let  the  aid  society  run  down,  and 
the  cucumbers  and  tomatos  become  the  victim  of  King  Frost 
or  procrastination.  They  would  not  spend  so  much  time  in 
talk  over  their  tea,  of  this  husband  or  that  son,  but  would 
work,  if  peradventure  the  fortunes  of  war  should  throw  that 
son  or  husband  into  the  channel  of  this  bounty.  They  would 
not  cease  their  labor  of  love  because  this  one  or  that  one  had 
returned  with  the  story  that  he  had  been  in  hospitals,  and 
never  had  anything  from  the  Sanitary,  with  his  wise  opinion' 
that  the  surgeons  and  nurses  were  the  only  recipients.  If  he 
were  closely  questioned  or  his  clothes  examined,  the  scrutiny 
might  betray  the  fact,  that  stationery  and  reading  matter 
at  least  had  come  to  him  by  that  source,  if  he  was  not  even 
then  using  a  sling,  crutch,  handkerchief  or  shu't  bearing  the 
mark  of  some  aid  society.  Or  the  complainant  may  have 
been  situated  somewhat  as  those  of  the  8th  and  18th  Indiana 
regiments,  which  have  been  constantly  travelling,  and  never 
accessible  to  Sanitary  stores  for  four  years,  until  now,  at  Sa- 
vannah, they  have  received  a  perfect  God-send,  and  have 
occasion  to  use,  as  we  are  informed,  the  biggest  word  a  soldier 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  187 

can  say  when  overjoyed,  "  Bully ! "  Or  lie  may  have  been 
honest  in  his  convictions  and  truthful  in  his  statements,  for  he 
might  not  have  been  needy. 

Would  you  have  your  son,  who  perhaps  was  only  suffering 
for  a  few  days  through  exhaustion  and  exposure,  or  a  slight 
flesh  wound,  who  needed  only  rest,  and  whose  appetite  was 
good,  eat  the  berries  which  might  save  the  life  of  one  in 
whose  veins  the  fever  had  rioted  for  months,  because  you 
sent  them.  Or,  if  he  had  money  with  which  to  buy,  would 
you  have  those  warm  socks,  or  flannels  given  to  him,  while 
that  shivering,  rheumatic  patient,  or  the  one  convalescing  from 
fever,  and  who  has  not  received  a  dollar  of  pay  in  six  months, 
went  without  because  you  sent  them  ?  Of  course,  you  would 
not.  You  would  prefer  that  your  son  should  go  through  his 
whole  life,  with  his  j^resent  excellent  opinion  of  surgeons  and 
nurses. 

The  Sanitary  stores  are  not  so  inexhaustable,  nor  the  army 
so  few  in  numbers  that  the  former  professes  to  sujiply  fruit- 
cake and  waffles  to  every  mother's  son  who  chances  to  stop  a 
few  days  in  a  hospital. 

Again,  the  world  in  a  hospital  is  much  like  that  outside. 
It  has  its  share  of  grumblers  and  ungrateful  ones,  albeit  there 
are  those  who  cherish  the  idea  that  every  soldier  is  one  of  na- 
ture's noblemen.  Although  there  are  many  such  who  will 
meet  you  with  a  grateful  smile  in  the  morning,  and  the  words 
that  they  are  "getting  better,"  while  only  close  inquiry  will 
reveal  the  fact  that  extreme  pain  has  kept  them  awake  all 
night,  and  banished  peace  by  day,  yet  there  are  also  libellers 
upon  the  character  of  noblemen.  Among  such  are  some  who 
enter  the  army  as  substitutes,  or  volunteers  for  the  bounty, 
who  knew  they  were  diseased  to  such  an  extent,  that  they 
would  serve  most  of  their  time  in  a  hospital. 

Of  this  class  will  come  limping  up  to  the  surgeon,  one  who 


188  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

is  grievously  afflicted  with  "rheumatism,"  whining  that  he 
has  "been  in  the  service  three  months,  and  hasn't  had  a  fur- 
lough yet ! "  One  such  wished  me  to  intercede  for  him.  He 
"  shoukhi't  care  so  much  about  going  home,  but  his  wife  wasn't 
expected  to  live."  So  a  letter  just  received  had  informed 
him.  I  read  it  and  found  it  written  by  the  lady  herself,  while 
inquiry  revealed  the  fact  that  she  "wasn't  expected  to  live'* 
when  he  volunteered,  hut  that  the  town  was  offering  a  high 
bounty  just  then. 

Another,  who  had  "  aphonia,"  when  the  surgeon  was  near, 
but  who  could  speak  loud  enougl;i  when  complaining  of  his 
food,  or  begging  me  for  canned  fruit,  and  because,  he  did  not  get 
it  sneered  at  the  idea  of  sick  soldiers  ever  getting  Sanitary 
stores.  Wlien  he  found  there  were  those  who  could  read 
him,  he  concluded  he  might  as  well  get  up,  and  he  soon  was 
sent  to  his  proper  place,  "  the  front." 

Another,  who  had  been  nursed  up  from  the  grave's  mouth 
with  delicacies  and  flannels,  sold  the  latter,  before  going  home 
on  furlough.  And  still  another  shot  one  of  his  own  fingers 
off,  in  the  battle  at  Nashville,  to  get  off  the  field.  He  was 
the  recipient  of  much  sympathy,  on  account  of  his  hand,  be- 
ing threatened  with  gangrene  and  amputation ;  but  had  the 
facts  been  known  before  he  was  transferred  to  Louisville,  I 
verily  believe  I  should  have  been  tempted  to  try  w^hat  my 
conversational  powers  might  do  toward  quizzing  him  to  death. 

*'  This  mutton  is  poor  substitute  for  chicken,"  said  a  grum- 
bler in  one  of  the  wards,  as  the  lady  carried  his  dinner  to 
him.  ,     . 

"  Well,  yes,"  she  replied  jDleasantly,  "  but  I  believe  you 
have  been  a  substitute  for  a  well  man,  for  some  eight  months, 
have  you  not?"  He  good-humoredly  confessed  that  he  had, 
and  had  received  a  thousand  dollars  for  the  substitution.  But 
such,  if  really  sick,  must  be  cared  for,  as  well  as  the  more 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  189 

worthy.  Indeed,  even  a  Confederate  should  not  suffer  at  our 
hands,  notwithstanding  the  brutality  shown  our  loyal  boys  at 
Andersonville,  and  Libby. 

It  has  truly  been  such  a  great  pleasure  to  distribute  that 
nice  supply  of  stores  brought  to  me  by  Rev.  D.  P.  Liver- 
more.  The  stock  of  flannel  and  canned  fruit  is  nearly  gone, 
as  the  distribution  has  not  been  confined  to  my  own  ward,  but 
I  believe  it  has  not  been  misapplied.  Blessings  on  the  several 
donors  and  the  agencies  through  which  they  came.  Let  us 
not  be  weary  in  well-doing,  while  the  war  lasts,  for  the  end 
Cometh.  Some  must  "  repair  the  breach,  and  build  up  the 
waste  places  afterward,"  but  there  will  be  no  fitter  time  in 
which  to  make  one  of  that  number,  who,  when  the  All-Fa- 
ther Cometh  to  make  up  his  jewels,  may  hear  the  blessing : 
"  Inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  unto  one  of  the  least  of  these,  ye  did 
it  unto  me." 

Indianapolis,  Ind.,  April  22,  1866. 

A  day  of  mourning  in  the  calendar  of  a  nation."  A  great 
grief  sits  sobbing  upon  a  nation's  heart,  for  Lincoln  is  assassi- 
nated ! 

This  morning,  while  Miss  C.  and  I  were  dressing.  Miss  T. 
rushed  into  the  room  with  blanched  face  and  exclaimed  with 
grieved  voice,  "  Oh  !  girls  have  you  heard  the  dreadful  news  ?'  * 
She  knew  we  had  not  if  she  had  thought,  for  she  had  left  the 
room  but  a  moment  before,  and  she  continued  "  Lincoln  is  as- 
sassinated, and  his  son  and  Secretary  Seward."  So  the  tele- 
gram at  first  was  interpreted.  It  was  a  terrible  shock,  and  I 
felt  how  almost  as  nothing  in  comparison  would  be  the  result 
of  the  death  of  the  dearest  friend  or  relative  I  had,  and  be- 
lieve then  I  could  have  given  my  own  life  could  it  have  re- 
stored his  life  for  the  country.  Little  has  been  done  by  any 
of  us  to-day.     Toward  evening  we  three  visited  the  hospital 


190  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

and  saw  all  along  the  way,  wealth  and  poverty,  the  mansion 
and  the  hovel  displaying  symbols  of  grief.  The  man  of  talent 
remembers  that  the  eloquent  man,  the  counsellor,  has  fallen, 
while  the  man  who  returns  at  night  with  his  ^aiij  wages 
thinks  with  sorrow  of  that  one,  who  from  greater  poverty 
than  his  own,  has  come  to  be  the  mourned  of  a  nation. 

As  for  the  lesson  of  this  deed,  I  cannot  soothe  myself  as  do 
some,  with  the  thought  that  Lincoln  had  done  all  he  could  in 
this  war,  that  his  heart  was  so  tender  he  could  not  deal  justly 
with  traitors,  and  that  his  mantle  has  fallen  upon  one,  who  is 
"sufficient  for  these  things."  Instead,  this  climax  to  rebel 
atrocity,  approached  only  by  the  starving  of  our  brave  boys 
in  prison,  seems  to  me  to  call  for  stern  justice  to  be  meted 
out.  All  the  blood  and  treasure  of  the  last  four  years  de- 
mands it,  and  now  this  brother's  hlood  crieth  to  us  from  the 
ground.  Will  it  be  heard,  or  will  rebel  traitors  take  their 
seats  in  congress  to  make  laws  for  those  who  have  shouldered 
their  rifles  in  defence  of  law  and  against  traitors  and  assas- 
sins ?     We  shall  see ! 

Jefferson,  Hospital,  May  3. 

"  A  hospital  is  no  place  to  form  attachments,"  said  one  lady 
in  this  hospital  to  another.  The  former  had  surj^rised  the 
latter  in  a  sudden  flood  of  tears,  in  the  pantry  of  Ward  1. 
The  occasion  was  the  arrival  of  that  order  for  the  "  kitchen 
man,  and  chief  wound-dresser,"  of  said  ward  to  report  to  their 
own  State,  New  Jersey. 

Perhaps  it  is  not  wise  to  form  attachments,  but  if  they 
grow  themselves,  as  between  a  mother  and  sick  child,  with 
every  cry  of  pain,  or  bestowal  of  attention,  what  is, one, to  do 
about  it  ?  It  is  quite  inconvenient  sometimes,  I  admit.  But  I 
would  like  to  see  one  who  is  created  with  that  troublesome 
thing,  a  heart,  and  who  takes  care  of  patients,  from  the;  time 


HOSi»iTAL   PENCILLINGS.  191 

they  are  brought  in  just  from  the  front,  looking  more  like 
wild  brigands  from  the  mountains,  or  Indian  trappers  from  the 
frontier,  so  far  as  hair  or  whiskers  are  concerned,  but  acting 
more  like  babies,  or,  it  may  be,  like  very  sick  but  stout-heart- 
ed heroes,  but  who  after  they  are  bathed,  provided  with  clean 
clothes  and  bed,  and  the  superfluous  hair  and  whiskers  re- 
moved, turn  out  respectable-looking,  civilized  beings,  up  to 
the  time  when  the  departed  appetite  is  coaxed  back,  and  when 
by  pleasant  conversation,  letter  Writing  and  reading  the  relax- 
ed nerves  recover  their  tone  and  grim  death  is  fairly  beaten 
back,  who  at  first  had  a  mortgage  upon  them, — let  such  an  one 
have  a  care  for  the  feet  on  scrubbing  days,  when  they  are  able 
to  sit  up,  and  muffle  them  for  a  ride  in  the  Sanitary  carriage, 
to  get  a  fresh  breath  and  sight  out  of  doors,  the  first  for 
months,  and  just  when  she  knows  that  a  sudden  relapse  might 
take  them  away,  to  have  an  order  come  for  a  transfer  to  Quincy, 
Keokuk,  or  Washington,  and  she  would  probably,  feel  the 
"  attachment,^'  if  she  possessed  that  troublesome  thing,  a  heart. 
And,  by  tiie  by,  I  happen  to  know  that  this  same  Miss  B. 
who  gave  the  caution,  has  in  possession  a  pretty  good-sized 
article  of  the  same  kind  herself. 

It  happens  that  my  large  family  of  boys,  being  under  the 
guardianship  of  their  Uncle  Sam,  are  liable  at  any  time  to  be 
torn  from  my  maternal  oversight,  to  go  either  to  hospitals 
elsewhere,  or  to  their  own  regiments.  I  derive,  however  a 
sort  of  savage  pleasure,  from  the  evident  and  acknowledged 
fact  that  they  "hate  it,"  as  the  Egyptians  say,  as  badly  as  I 
do. 

And  the  separation  may  be  equally  felt  under  other  circum. 
stances.  This  is  the  case  in  the  transfer  of  those  whose  pre- 
sence seems  indispensable  to  the  gOod  of  the  patients.  To 
wounded  men,  who  have  learned  to  have  confidence  in  the 
skill,  care  and  tenderness  of  a  wound-dresser,  it  seems  little 


192  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

^  less  than  cruelty  to  send  him  away,  and  substitute  one  new 
and  inexperienced,  especially  when  a  little  less  care  than  usual 
may  inoculate  the  wound  with  erysipelas,  or  gangrene. 

Or  it  may  be  one  to  whom  we  have  all  looked  up  as  a 
counsellor,  whose  rich  humor  and  dry  jokes  were  a  never-fail- 
ing fund  of  enjoyment  to  the  patients,  and  who  was  a  walking 
enclyclopedia  for  their  benefit  and  my  own,  and  who  with 
such  an  influence  in  the  ward,  treated  me  with  the  greatest 
respect  before  all,  with  such  fatherly  forethought,  and  whose 
child-like  innocence  was  a  constant  reproof  to  any  thought  of 
wrong. 

Not  a  surgeon,  ward-master,  or  nurse  remains  of  those  who 
were  here  six  months  ago,  while  some  of  the  nurses  are  in 
hospitals  elsewhere,  and  most  in  the  position  of  patients. 

Well,  the  work  and  care  for  the  sick  boys,  with  this  tearing 
of  the  heart-strings  every  few  days,  didn't  seem  to  have  a  very 
beneficial  influence  upon  health  and  nerves.  "  Pale,  care- 
worn and  thin,"  was  the  verdict  of  others,  while  myself  only 
knew  the  extent  of  the  malady  and  the  need  of  rest,  when  I 
found  that  twice  I  had  actually  cried  like  a  child,  because  loud 
talking  in  the  night  and  building  fires  before  reveille  in  the 
morning,  had  waked  me.  Not  having  for  some  time  been 
able  to  sit  up  all  day,  though  attending  to  my  duties  in  the 
ward,  and  as  transfers  had  taken  nearly  all  the  sick  men, 
chancing  to  leave  convalescents,  I  decided  to  run  away  for  a 
little  time,  where  I  could  rest,  eat  and  sleejD.  Dreading  the 
long  jaunt  north  to  my  friends,  I  accepted  the  urgent  invita- 
tion from  a  lady  friend  and  co-worker,  to  visit  her  people, 
near  Pendleton,  Ind.,  and  procured  a  furlough  of  twenty  days. 
No  sick  soldier  could  have  been  more  thoughtfully  cared  for 
in  the  home  of  Mr.  Neal  Hardy,  than  was  I.  This  neigh- 
borhood itself  has  abounded  in  works  of  charity  to  our  sick 
soldiers  during  the  war,  and  many  boxes  and  barrels  packed 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLING  S.  193 

by  the  hands  of  Mrs.  H.  have  glacltlened  many  an  invalid  sol- 
dier. I  had  there  good  nourishing  food,  of  which  I  was 
greatly  in  need,  for  if,  as  is  reported  North,  the  surgeons, 
stewards  and  nurses  eat  all  the  sanitary  stores,  our  "  ladies' 
mess,"  has  certainly  foiled  to  obtain  its  share  of  the  plunder. 
But  the  nourishing  food  I  found  on  my  furlough,  with  sleep ^ 
freedom  from  care,  and  genial  companionship,  when  I  wished 
to  avail  myself  of  it,  for  the  time  being,  wrought  a  cure. 

Upon  my  return,  had  expected  the  patients  would  be  glad 
to  see  me,  but  had  scarcely  looked  for  so  warm  a  welcome  as 
was  received.  The  next  eve,  we  had  a  nice  supper  for  the 
patients  of  Ward  1.  Daring  my  furlough,  the  good  friends 
donated  a  box  of  eatables  for  the  use  of  my  ward  and  for  that 
of  the  lady  at  whose  house  I  had  been  visiting.  Just  before 
supper,  Miss  H.  and  myself  surprised  the  boys  by  carrying 
several  articles  into  our  pantry,  and  preparing  for  the  table 
goodies  which  had  not  appeared  on  the  printed  list  as  "  full  diet." 
An  old  table  cloth  and  sheet  which  came  from  Chicago  in  that 
box  of  sanitary  rags,  was  torn  into  strips  and  placed  on  our 
three  long  narrow  tables.     Three  or  four  were  watching  me. 

"  Boys,  we're  going  to  try  if  we  cannot  make  you  think 
you're  at  home  to-night." 

"  Well,  I  declare  it'll  be  the  first  time  I've  sat  down  to  a 
table-cloth  in  eighteen  months,"  said  one.  "  And  the  first 
time  I  have,  in  three  years,"  said  another.  "  Its  the  first  time 
in  nearly  four  years  for  me,"  said  a  third. 

Then  the  plates  were  turned  down,  and  the  food  put  on 
other  plates  and  in  bowls,  instead  of  being  dealt  out  on  each 
plate,  as  is  usual  here  before  setting  down.  The  Chaplain's 
orderly  was  present,  Mr.  Bullard,  of  Illinois,  who  was  for- 
merly a  patient  in  our  ward.  After  a  blessing  was  asked, 
the  food  was  passed,  but  at  first  every  thing  was  so  strange 
that  all  were  glum  and  silent. 
33 


194  HOSPITAL     PENCILLING  S. 

It  was  evident  we  were  to  have  a  solemn  time,  only  to  be 
remembered  by  them  as  one  in  which  there  was  "a  putting 
on  of  too  much  style  for  comfort,"  as  they  would  have  ex- 
pressed it,  so  they  were  told  the  intention  was  to  make  them 
feel  at  home,  and  if  they  were  there  they  would  surely  talk, 
and  as  we  had  plenty  of  time,  we  would  try  to  have  a  social 
time  as  well  as  a  good  supper.  Whereupon  our  theological 
student,  who  has  since  left  to  receive  a  1st  Lieutenant's 
shoulder-straps,  timidly  remarked,  that,  "  The  trouble  is^ 
most  of  the  b.oys  think  they're  out  taking  tea  somewhere,  and 
durstiiH  say  anything."  Then  "  Bart,"  as  he  is  familiarly 
called,  looked  around,  and  said  hastily,  as  if  grudging  the 
time  occupied  in  speaking,  and  with  his  half-lisping  accent, 
"  Boys,  I'm  intending  to  say  something  of  considerable  impor- 
tance 2^retty  soon,  but  I'm  too  busy  with  my  supper  just  now." 

This  helped  break  the  ice,  for  the  boys  feel  bound  to  laugh 
whenever  Bart  says  anything.  Soon,  leaving  the  room  for  a 
forgotten  article,  I  charged  them  not  to  speak  aloud  until  my 
return,  and  appointed  a  monitor.  Upon  my  entrance,  our 
"  little  artist,"  Hugo,  in  that  tone  of  complaint  used  by  chil- 
dren to  their  teachers,  in  the  school-room,  said  that,  "  Bart 
Smith  commenced  it,  for  he  said  he  wished  the  lady  nurses 
would  go  away  on  furlough  every  week."  Of  course  it  was 
necessary  to  rebuke  him  for  wishing  our  absence,  when  in  a 
tone  of  conciliation  he  informed  us  that  he  "  knew'"  he  "  said 
that,  but  had  said  also  that  he  wished  them  to  come  back  the 
next  day." 

This,  with  the  entrance  of  Miss  Buckel  and  another  lady, 
who  contributed  to  the  pleasantry,  made  them  completely  at 
home,  and  every  one  seemed  thoroughly  to  enjoy  the  supper. 
The  regular  diet  for  the  meal,  which  was  sent,  was  merely 
"  bread,  stewed  apples,  and  tea."  The  apples  were  saved  to 
add  to  their  breakfast,  and  apple-butter  supplied  in  their  place. 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  195 

In  addition,  we  had  fresh  butter,  horse-radish,  berries,  cake 
and  chickens,  with  sugar  for  tea. 

This  much  for  the  supper.  May  it  not  have  been  a  link  in 
that  chain  of  "  attachment,"  by  which  many  an  old  soldier  in 
the  years  to  come  shall  feel  bound  to  the  large  family  of 
brothers  and  one  sister  in  Ward  1  ? 


Mat  8. 

Nations  are  divided,  thrones  totter,  confederates  are  cap- 
tured and  hospitals  are  broken  up !  Consequently,  every- 
body is  on  the  tiptoe  of  expectation,  or  in  the  slough  of  des- 
pondency, over  the  coming  sej)aration.  It  is  somewhat  curi- 
ous to  note  the  changes  and  effects  of  the  order  commanding  the 
discharge  of  all  soldiers  except  veterans  or  those  under  medi- 
cal treatment.  Some  of  the  former  try  to  pass  themselves 
off  as  later  recruits,  to  the  infinite  disgust  of  the  official  who 
questions  them ;  while  others  immediately  "  throw  physic  to 
the  dogs,"  to  prove  that  they  are  not  under  treatment.  Every 
possible  rumor  is  afloat.  It  is  even  whispered  by  soldiers 
that  the  "  dignitaries  "  begin  to  have  an  inkling  of  the  fact 
that  it  will  not  be  long  before  they  will  have  no  more  author- 
ity than  "  high  privates,"  and  have  relaxed  a  trifle  from  their 
dignity — I  am,  however,  not  responsible  for  the  truth  of  this, 
and  learned  sometime  since  to  my  own  edification,  that  women 
are  not  the  only  gossips. 

Some  of  the  wards  here  have  been  closed,  and  the  patients 
transferred  to  others.  Consequent!}^,  some  of  the  lady  nurses 
are  as  wholly  lost  and  inconsolable  as  a  mother-hen,  who,  by 
some  terrible  calamity,  has  been  cruelly  deprived  of  every 
darling  chicken.  We,  who  have  thus  suffered,  do  not  much 
care  whether  the  world  stands  any  longer  or  not,  our  house- 
keeping has  been  cruelly  broken  up,  and  we  should  doubtless 


196  HOSPITAL     PEXCILLINGS. 

tlirow  ourselves  into  the  Ohio  and  thus  drown  our  sorrows, 
were  it  not  that  said  river  is  altogether  too  muddy  just  now. 

The  effects  of  said  "  order  "  upon  the  soldiers,  as  appearing 
in  my  own  ward,  are  with  little  variation,  no  doubt,  the  same 
as  throughout  the  hospital. 

Our  patients  had  been  tranferred  to  Ward  2,  to  give  oppor- 
tunity for  floor-planing  and  white-washing.  But  all  who 
could  walk,  made  frequent  "  visits  home,"  indeed,  extending 
to  visitations,  and  two  boys,  Willie  and  our  "  little  artist," 
could  not  sleep  a  wink  the  first  two  nights,  and  were  allowed 
the  privilege  of  sleeping  at  home  a  few  times.  One  morning, 
while  our  floor  was  in  process  of  planing,  upon  entering  the 
ward,  I  found  the  tools  thrown  aside,  and  all  seated  in  a 
group,  reading  and  discussing  a  Louisville  daily.  All  were 
jubilant,  and  eager  to  tell  me  the  news. 

"  Can't  work,"  said  one,  "  too  much  good  news  for  one  day ! 
Johnson  is  taken,  and  we  hospital  bummers  are  to  be  sent 
home,"  said  another. 

"  It's  wicked  to  work  any  more,  an  order  has  come  for  all 
Government  work  to  be  stopped,"  said  a  third.  "  Gold- 
smith's Corps  will  soon  be  on  the  wing." 

"  Boys  let's  pile  the  shavings  in  the  middle  of  the  floor  and 
have  a  bonfire,"  suggested  the  one  who  bears  the  name  of 
"  Gen.  Grant." 

By  the  way,  very  few  men  in  camp,  or  hospital  are  called 
by  their  names.  Instead,  we  have  "  Gen.  Thomas,"  "  Cavalry," 
"  Artillery,"  "  Michigan,"  "  Connecticut,"  "  Georgia,"  "  Long- 
street,"  "  Infant,"  "  Lengthy,"  and  "  Bantie,"  the  last  four 
named  from  their  height,  or  want  of  the  same.  Other  States 
have  their  representatives  by  name,  while  occasionally  so  sug- 
gestive a  title  as  that  of  ''  The  Spread  Eagle,"  is  overheard 
while  the  owner  is  at  a  safe  distance. 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS.  197 

Mat  15. 

Our  flower  gardens  are  now  absorbing  tbe  attention  of  the 
ladies  and  convalescents.  The  arrangement  of  the  hospital  is 
such  that  there  is  sufficient  space  for  one  between  each  ward. 
In  this  respect,  at  least,  this  must  be  superior  to  the  "  Chest- 
nut Hill,"  hospital,  of  Philadelphia,  as  these  wards,  radiating 
like  the  spokes  of  a  wheel  from  a  circular  corridor,  not  only 
permit  the  addition,  for  the  comfort  and  cheer  of  the  invalids, 
of  fresh  flowers  and  the  sight  of  a  green-sward  close  to  their 
w^indows,  but  also  superior  ventillation.  It  is  to  be  hoped 
that  so  long  as  a  hospital  is  needed  for  sick  soldiers,  this  will 
be  taken  for  no  other  purpose.  And  when  no  longer  needed 
for  the  sick,  what  place  could  be  found  more  suitable  for  a 
^'  Soldier's  Home,"  for  the  loyal  boys  of  Indiana  ? 

The  flower  gardens  were,  by  Major  Goldsmith,  given  over 
to  the  superintendence  of  Miss  Buckel,  who  has  charge  of  the 
ladies  here.  She  preferred  that  those  of  each  ward  should 
originate  and  carry  into  effect  their  own  plans,  while  she  pro- 
cured shrubbery,  seeds,  and  plants  for  all.  None  have  refus- 
ed to  whom  she  has  applied,  and  most  have  responded  liber- 
ally. One  gentleman  from  Chicago,  donated  $25  worth  of 
rakes  and  trowels. 

The  friends  at  some  Aid  Society,  I  think  in  Ohio,  con- 
tributed a  very  large  and  choice  collection  of  seeds,  at  the  re- 
quest of  a  patient,  Chas.  Erickson,  in  our  own  ward.  These 
were  shared  by  all  the  ward  gardens. 

I  am  sometimes  amused  at  the  diiFerence  it  makes  with  the 
patients  as  to  who  asks  them  to  work.  Most  of  them  say 
they  are  not  going  to  stay  long  enough  to  see  the  gardens  after 
they  are  finished,  and  they  don't  care  to  work  for  nothing. 
Those  in  our  ward  often  refuse  to  work  upon  being  requested 
by  the  ward-master,  who  will  nevertheless  work  nearly  all 
day.  Others  run  away  from  work  elsewhere,  as  on  the  chapel, 
34 


198  HOSPITAL     rENCILLIXGS. 

or  the  garden  around  it,  both  in  care  of  Chaplain  Olmstead, 
and  work  in  our  own  garden.  This  morning  we  were  mus- 
tering our  little  force,  and  I  was  in  the  garden  when  the 
ward-master  came  and  said  that  "  Jehu  had  sworn  he  wouldn't 
work  a  bit  to-da}",  but  that  as  he  was  as  well  able  as  the  rest, 
and  as  he  had  received  orders  to  jDut  all  in  the  guard-house 
who  would  not  work,  he  should  certainly  send  him  there,  un- 
less he  changed  his  mind." 

After  cautioning  him  not  to  let  J.  know  that  he  had  told 
me  this,  I  stejDped  to  the  window  near  which  I  had  just  left 
him  as  I  passed  through  the  ward,  taj^ped  on.  the  pane,  and 
said,  "  Jehu,  do  you  suppose  I  can  get  you  to  help  me  trim 
this  sod  around  the  beds  ?" 

"  Yes,  of  course  you  can,"  he  exclaimed  energetically,  and 
springing  up  he  ran  to  the  ward-master  for  the  keys  to  the 
pantry  to  get  each  of  us  a  knife  for  the  purpose,  and  then 
jumped  from  the  corridor  window  and  helped  me  until  the 
work  was  finished. 

Then  Miss  B.  came  to  say  that  we  could  have  carts  and 
mules  to  draw  sod,  if  I  could  find  drivers  and  sod  cutters. 

"  Three  have  volunteered,"  I  said,  wonder  where  I  can  find 
another  ?" 

"  Why,  you  can  get  me,  if  you  want  me,'^  said  Jehu,  earn- 
estly. 

He  went  and  worked  well  all  the  forenoon,  but  in  the  af- 
ternoon, word  came  that  he  had  refused  to  do  anything  more, 
and  was  asleep  under  a  tree.  "  Tell  J.  for  me,"  was  the  word 
sent,  "  I  wish  to  know  if  he  won't  please  help  us  a  little  while 
longer,  as  we  may  not  be  able  to  get  the  carts  tomorrow." 

It  was  sufficient,  six  carts  of  sod  were  cut  by  him,  and  one 
other. 

The  work  was  at  first  somewhat  delayed  by  the  scarcity  of 
tools,  and  since  by  heavy  rains,  but  is  steadily  progressing. 


HOSPITAL     TEXCILLINGS.  199 

Some  gardens  are  finished,  or  nearly  so.  We  liave  quite  a 
variety  in  style,  from  that  which  bears  the  cognomen  of  "  Meth- 
odist," or  "  Quaker,"  to  the  one  which  will  contain  only  our 
''  Star  Spangled*  Banner,"  with  its  stripes  in  red  and  white 
flowers,  blue  for  the  ground  of  the  corner,  and  shells  for  the 
stars.  I  do  hope  all  this  labor  is  not  destined  to  be  trampled 
under  foot  by  those  wdio  do  not  so  appreciate,  or  need  it,  as 
do  sick  men. 

At  first  but  few  volunteered  to  do  the  work  among  the  con- 
valescents, but  soon  others  became  interested,  and  in  some 
wards  the  excitement  was  such  that  some  men  even  choose 
rainy  days  to  go  down  town,  rather  than  working  ones.  This 
interest,  with  the  enthusiasm  from  the  prospect  of  a  speedy 
return  home,  has  occasionally  led  to  scenes  and  conversations 
really  amusing.  Sometimes  a  number  of  States  have  their 
representative  by  name,  who  w^ork  with  a  will  to  prove  that 
"  Massachusetts  can  do  the  most  spading,"  or  that  "  Michigan 
can't  be  beat  at  sodding."  In  our  garden,  they  were  one  af- 
ternoon engaged  in  erecting  a  large  mound  in  the  centre. 
Some  one  of  the  members  had  tied  a  newspaper  to  the  end 
of  a  pole  and  hoisted  it. 

"  Boys,  you  are  not  working  as  you  would,  if  really  throw- 
ing up  breastworks  under  the  guns  of  the  enemy,"  said  one 
of  the  patients  from  an  open  window. 

Just  then  it  chanced  that  there  was  the  report  of  fire-arms 
at  no  great  distance.  Two  as  suddenly  reeled,  one  falling  to 
his  knees,  but  recovering  his  feet  ran  for  the  pole  which  had 
fallen,  and  planting  it  firmly,  called  out, 

"  Ilumy  up,  boys,  here's  our  flag  of  truce,  and  the  enemy 
will  respect  it." 

They  then  did  work  as  though  under  the  guns  of  the  enemy, 
and  the  mound  was  soon  finished. 

But  little  has  been  done  here   for  the  forthcoming  great 


200  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

Sanitary  Fair  at  Chicago,  in  consequence  of  this  great  work 
of  the  gardens,  though  much  interest  might  easily  be  aroused 
and  work  done,  if  the  ladies  had  not  these  to  occupy  head  and 
hand.  One  life-like  sketch  of  "  The  TrapjJer's  Last  Shot " 
is  nearly  finished  for  the  fair,  by  "  our  little  artist "  Hugo. 
It  might  be  interesting  to  the  future  purchaser  could  he  know 
that  since  commencing  the  sketch  the  artist  has  had  gangrene 
in  one  of  his  wounds,  and  has  done  much  of  it  while  sitting 
upon  his  bed,  and  when  it  was  not  prudent  to  exercise  by 
walking.  I  shall  envy  the  fortunate  possessor  of  the  picture, 
although  the  one  from  which  the  sketch  is  made  is  in  my  own 
possession. 

Mat  24. 

No  sick  men  in  my  ward.  It  has  been  filled  up  with  de- 
tailed men  from  the  tents.  Most  of  our  former  patients  re- 
main in  Ward  2,  and  I  assist  Mrs.  D.  in  care  of  them  ;  besides 
which  the  only  patient  of  Ward  8  is  left  to  my  care,  as  the 
lady  has  gone. 

An  order  came  sometime  since  for  the  discharge  of  all 
hospital  attendants  not  absolutely  needed.  In  pursuance  of 
this  order  seven  ladies  have  received  their  discharges,  and  the 
last  except  one  of  them  go  to-night.  There  are  some  four- 
teen remaining. 

One  of  the  "  Willies,"  whose  home  is  only  eight  miles  dis- 
tant, and  who  has  tried  for  six  months  to  get  a  furlough,  has 
just  returned  from  a  second  '•  French "  furlough.  Nobody 
missed  him,  who  would  report  the  same. 

This  morning  four  ladies  went  over  to  Louisville  in  an  am- 
bulance, the  principal  errand  of  two  of  us  to  purchase  some 
little  gift  for  Miss  B.  It  was  a  beautiful  wrouoht  silver  card 
case,  which  somebody  had  the  pleasure  of  presenting  at  the 
tea-table  this  evening  with  the  words : 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  201 

"  Miss  B ,  I  have  been  requested  by  tlie  ladies  to  pre- 
sent you  with  a  small  token  of  our  esteem.  In  years  to 
come,  when  thinking  of  your  cares  and  duties  here,  may  this 
little  gift  assure  you  that  the  responsibilities  and  difficulties 
of  your  position,  and  the  faithfulness  with  which  you  have 
discharged  them  have  not  been  unappreciated.  The  gift  is 
small,  but  we  believe  you  will  value  it  nevertheless." 

She  had  been  met  as  she  was  leaving  the  table,  and  as  the 
gift  was  in  a  morocco  case  she  took  it  and  said,  "  I  accept  it 
and  will  run  away  to  see  what  it  is."  She  soon  returned  and 
simply  and  naturally  expressed  thanks  and  admiration  for  the 
gift,  and  added  playfully  that  she  would  "  keep  it  as  long  as 
she  lived  and  then  will  it  to  her  grand-children." 

Mat  29. 

Presentations  seem  the  order  of  the  times.  Quite  a  num- 
of  the  ladies  have  been  so  honored  by  the  patients  of  their 
wards.  This  afternoon  I  took  my  sewing  down  to  the  ward 
and  was  soon  surprised  to  see  Mr.  Davis  come  hobbling  in  on 
crutches  from  Ward  2,  who  had  not  been  in  the  ward,  and  hard- 
ly off  his  bed  for  two  months.  Then  several  others  who  had 
been  patients  here  suddenly  dropped  in,  as  well  as  some  others 
of  Ward  2,  and  when  Bart  and  Hugo  came  in  on  their 
crutches,  I  thought  it  rather  a  queer  coincidence  that  they 
should  all  happen  in  so  soon  after  I  had  entered,  but  supposed 
the  beauty  of  the  day  and  the  desire  for  one  more  of  those 
pleasant  chats,  which  were  so  soon  to  be  broken  up,  were  the 
causes.  But  in  a  moment  more  it  was  explained  by  the  en- 
trance of  the  young  man  called  "  Kentucky  " — Wm.  Garrett 
— bearing  a  box  from  which  he  took  a  nice  photograph  album? 
of  a  size  to  hold  one  hundred  pictures,  and  a  ring,  with  my 
name  engraven  upon  each,  and  which  he  presented  with  a  few 
appropriate  words,  and  with  an  easy,  natural  manner.     They 


202  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

were  assured  that  the  recipient  was  not  much  accustomed  to 
speech-making,  but  that  no  gift  could  have  been  more  accept- 
able than  the  album,  especially  when  it  should  contain  the 
faces  of  the  donors.  The  ring  was  found  to  be  a  perfect  fit, 
and  some  wonder  was  expressed,  but  all  were  perfectly  inno- 
cent and  nobody  knew  anything  more  about  it  than  parents 
do  when  that  wonderful  genius  of  children,  Santa  Claus,  is 
making  his  annual  visit.  Then  I  chanced  to  recollect  that 
Miss  B.  had  tried  my  ring  on  some  time  before,  and  some 
whispering  had  occurred  at  the  door  upon  the  taking  of  a  box 
from  her  room,  when  I  chanced  to  be  there  two  days  since. 

June  1. 

Next  day  after  the  last  date  I  went  down  town  early  in  the 
morning,  purchased  strawberries  and  made  a  strawberry 
short-cake  for  tea.  It  was  very  nice,  greatly  complimented, 
and  by  some  who  had  never  seen  one  before,  but  who  were 
going  to  have  their  "  wives  make  one  as  soon  as  they  got 
home."  In  addition  we  had  green  tea  with  milk  and  sugar — ► 
a  great  treat  here — stewed  prunes,  cooked  tomatos,  very  nice 
dried  beef  and  cookies.  All  old  patients  of  our  ward  were 
invited  throughout  the  hospital,  with  the  ward-master  and 
nurses  of  Ward  2.  Some  few  days  since  we  also  had  a  pleas- 
ant little  time  with  strawberries  and  cream  provided  by  Mrs. 
Dixon  in  Ward  2. 

The  hospital  is  being  thinned  out  quite  fast,  but  much  too 
slow  for  the  patience  of  most  of  the  soldiers.  Nearly  every 
day  I  am  called  to  part  with  some  one  or  more  of  the.  old 
patients. 

It  is,  as  was  predicted,  about  those  several  hundred  volumes 
being  kept  for  a  reading-room  to  be  finished  and  fitted  up, 
and  the  soldiers  deprived  of  their  use.  Thousands  have 
passed  through  the  hospital  this  past  eigh^  months,  and  those 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS.  203 

books  have  been  boxed  up  which  might  have  given  occupa- 
tion, relief  from  home-sickness,  to  say  nothing  of  mental, 
moral  or  spiritual  improvement  to  invalid  soldiers.  What 
books  Chaplain  Fitch  had  in  charge  have  heen  freely  dis- 
tributed, but  they  were  few  in  number  and  of  very  little  va- 
riety. There  has  been  some  pressure  brought  to  bear  of  late 
by  some  ladies  and  others,  and  by  the  offer  of  Rev.  H.  F. 
Miller,  Agent  of  Universalist  Army  Mission,  to  bring  his 
library,  which  may  result  in  the  unboxing  of  the  books  at  the 
eleventh  hour. 

A  very  pleasant  reading-room  has  just  been  fitted  up  by  the 
ladies,  in  one  of  the  vacant  wards,  and  Chaplain  Fitch  has 
procured  the  loan  of  two  libraries  from  the  Christian  Com- 
mission. This  is  very  pleasant  and  is  greatly  enjoyed  by  the 
patients  who  make  it  a  resort  for  reading,  writing,  chatting, 
or  the  amusement  of  checkers,  chess  and  backgammon.  Pic- 
tures adorn  the  walls,  there  are  plants  in  blossom,  and  each 
day  is  a  beautiful  bouquet  contributed  from  one  of  the  ward 
gardens  for  the  hanging  flower-vase.  All  enjoy  this  very 
much ;  but  it  only  reminds  some  of  us  of  what  might  have 
been  all  winter,  had  the  one  who  had  the  chapel  and  library 
in  his  hands  have  so  willed  it.  I  understand  that  several 
thousand  dollars  were  placed  in  the  Chaplain's  hands  by  the 
Sanitary  or  Christian  Commission  for  the  purpose,  and  which 
has  been  of  no  comparative  benefit. 

Walking  along  the  corridor  one  rainy  day  of  late  I  picked 
up  a  wee  little  book  with  the  following  revery,  entitled 

A    RAINY    DAY    IN    CAMP. 

It's  a  cheerless,  lonesome  evening, 

When  tlie  soaking  sodden  ground 
Will  not  echo  to  the  foot-fall 

Of  the  sentinel's  dull  round. 


204  HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 

God's  blue  star-spangled  banner 
To-nigbt  is  not  unfurled ; 

Surely  He  has  not  deserted 
This  weary,  warring  world. 

I  peer  into  the  darkness, 

And  the  crowding  fancies  come ; 

The  night-\\'ind  blowing  Northward, 
Carries  all  my  heart  toward  home. 

For  I  'listed  in  this  army, 
Not  exactly  to  my  mind  ; 

But  my  country  called  for  helpers, 
And  I  couldn't  stay  behind. 

So  I've  had  a  sight  of  drilling, 
And  have  roughed  it  many  ways. 

And  Death  has  nearly  had  me. 
Yet  I  think  the  service  pays. 

It's  a  blessed  sort  of  feeling. 
That  though  you  live  or  die. 

You  have  helped  your  bleeding  country. 
And  fought  right  loyaly. 

But  I  can't  help  thinking  sometimes. 
When  a  wet  day's  leisure  comes, 

That  I  hear  the  old  home  voices. 
Talking  louder  than  the  drums. 

And  the  far,  familiar  faces 
Peep  in  at  the  tent  door, 

And  the  little  children's  footsteps 
Go  pit-pat  on  the  floor. 

I  can't  help  thinking,  somehow, 
Of  what  the  Parson  reads, 

All  about  that  other  warfare, 
Which  every  true  man  leads. 

And  wife,  soft-hearted  creature. 
Seems  a  saying  in  my  ear, 


HOSPITAL     PEXCILLINGS.  205 

"  I'd  ratlier  have  you  in  those  ranks, 
Than  to  sec  you  Brigadier." 

I  call  myself  a  brave  one, 

But  in  my  heart  I  lie ! 
For  my  country  and  her  honor 

I  am  fiercely  free  to  die  ; 

But  when  the  Lord  who  bought  me 

Asks  for  my  service  here, 
To  "  fight  the  good  fight "  faithfully, 

I'm  skulking  in  the  rear. 

And  yet  I  know  this  Captain 

All  love  and  care  to  be  : 
He  would  never  get  impatient 

With  a  raw  recruit  like  me. 

And  I  know  He'd  not  forget  me 

When  the  Day  of  Peace  appears  ; 
I  should  share  with  him  the  victory 

Of  all  His  volunteers. 

And  it's  kind  of  cheerful,  thinking, 

Beside  the  dull  tent  fire. 
About  that  big  promotion. 

When  He  says,  "  Come  up  higher  !  " 

And  though  it's  dismal,  rainy, 

Even  now,  with  thoughts  of  Him, 
Camp  life  looks  extra  cheery, 

And  death  a  deal  less  grim. 

For  I  seem  to  see  him  waiting. 

Where  a  gathered  Heaven  greets 
A  great  victorious  army, 

Surging  up  the  golden  streets  ; 

And  I  hear  him  read  the  roll-call. 

And  my  heart  is  all  aflame. 
When  the  dear  Recording  Angel 

Writes  down  my  happy  name  ! 


35 


206  HOSPITAL    PENCILLINGS. 

But  my  fire  is  dead  white  ashes, 

And  the  tent  is  chilling  cold, 
And  I'm  playing  win  the  battle, 

When  I've  never  been  enrolled. 

In  Thine  army  vast  receive  me, 

Thou  Saviour  of  the  world  ! 
And  I'll  follow  wlieresoever 

Thy  banner  is  unfurled. 

Oh,  give  me  zeal  and  courage, 

My  heart  and  life  renew, 
That  I  firmly  to  my  signet 

May  set  that  Thou  art  true. 

To  reach  the  Eternal  City, 

I'll  brave  Death's  sullen  flood, 
My  Saviour  crossed  before  me, 

I'll  triumph  through  his  blood  ! 

JUXJE!.    13. 

Many  things  of  interest  occur  which  I  have  neglected  to 
note.  The  truth  is,  am  getting  ill  again.  Have  been  so  sor- 
ry to  see  former  symptoms  all  coming  back,  as  it  is  a  sign  that 
I  must  leave  the  hosjDital.  But  of  late  have  really  not  been 
able  to  sit  up  all  day,  and  am  kept  awake  at  night  by  a  cough. 
My  lungs  have  been  examined  by  Miss  B ,  who  pro- 
nounces the  left  affected,  and  prescribes  "  Hygeine  and  Cali- 
fornia." Think  I  shall  take  a  dose  of  both.  Have  made  ap- 
plication for  discharge  to  be  given  in  one  week. 

Four  other  ladies  and  myself  have  of  late  been  filling  out 
discharges  at  headquarters.  Several  convalescents  are  de- 
tailed also,  and  with  the  clerks  proper  we  are  making  out  the 
mustering-out  rolls  of  from  fifty  to  sixty  men  each  day. 
There  are  eight  of  these  papers  filled  out  for  each  man,  be- 
sides the  discharge  proper. 

One  day  not  long  since,  while  busied  with  sewing  in  my 


HOSPITAL    PENCILLING S.  207 

ward,  several  were  relating  incidents  of  their  experience,  two 
or  three  of  which  I  will  mention.  Mr.  J.  of  the  gangrene 
ward  said,  that  once  when  with  his  regiment,  Wolford's  Cav- 
alry, and  near  the  line  of  Virginia  and  Tennessee,  a  woman 
in  front  of  her  house  watched  them  for  some  time,  and  then 
asked,  "  Whar  be  yoii'ns  from  anyhow  ?" 
"  From  Ohio,"  was  the  reply. 

"  La,  now,"  that  'Hio  must  be  a  mighty  big  town  to  have 
so  many  men  in  it,  is  it  in  Tennessee,  or  Cincinnati  ?" 

At  another  place  they  formed  in  line  of  battle  along  the 
street,  and  in  so  doing  sadly  discomposed  the  lye  apparatus  of 
another  woman.     She  was  indignant. 

"Thars  that  Wolford's  men  come  down  yere,  a  creeter- 
backed,  to  fight  weuns,  and  they  formed  a  streak  o'  fight,  and 
knocked  over  my  new  ash  hopper  what  cost  me  ten  dollars 
an'  a  half,  and  never  paid  me  a  cent ! " 

Another  related  the  following  incident.  It  was  after  a 
battle  on  the  Mississippi  River  that  a  captain  on  one  of  the 
river  steamers  offered  to  carry  free  of  charge  a  certain  regi- 
ment who  were  engaged  in  the  battle.  At  each  trip  many 
presented  themselves  as  members  of  that  regiment.  At  last 
one  stepping  on  board  reported  himself  as  a  member  of  the 
same,  when  the  captain  asked  what  office  he  held. 
"  Not  any,"  said  the  soldier,  "  I'm  a  high  private." 
"  Give  us  your  hand,"  said  the  captain,  "glad  to  make  your 
acquaintance,  sir ;  for  you  are  the  first  private  I  have  met 
from  the  regiment — have  passed  up  over  two  thousand,  but 
they  were  all  officers." 

To  add  my  mite  to  the  story-telling  I  related  an  incident 
which  occurred  while  I  was  in  Nashville,  and  which  I  heard 
related  by  the  young  minister  concerned,  and  at  the  time  of 
its  occurrence.  He  had  been  engaged  to  perform  the  mar- 
riage ceremony  at  a  certain  hour  for  a  couple  of  Refugees  nt 


208  HOSPITAL    PENCILLIXGS. 


the  Refugee  Home.  It  was  but  a  little  distance,  and  as  he 
started  out,  a  few  moments  only  past  the  appointed  time,  in 
company  with  another  delegate,  he  saw  the  bridal  pair  with 
another  couple  coming.  They  met  upon  the  lawn,  and  the 
young  clergyman  told  them  he  would  perform  the  marriage 
ceremony  there  if  they  wished.  No  objection  was  made,  and 
it  was  accordingly  done,  when  the  minister  wished  the  bride 
"  happiness  in  the  new  relation,"  and  she  wished  him  the  same. 
As  tbey  were  about  leaving  the  gentleman  who  accompanied 
the  clergyman  offered  to  shake  hands  with  the  young  lady 
who  came  as  bridesmaid,  but  suddenly  withdrawing  her  hand 
with  a  frightened  voice  and  manner  she  exclaimed, 

"  Oh  !  I  don't  want  to  be  married — I  ain't  ready  yet ! " 
During  this  conversation  the  door  opened  and  Revs.  Fitch 
and  Miller  entered,  and  the  former  said,  with  his  characteristic 
gallantry, 

"  This  is  a  vacant  ward,  Mr.  Miller,  there's  nobody  in  it, 
but  you  see  what  a  crowd  somebody  always  has  around  her," 
and  then  followed  more  nonsense  upon  the  same  subject,  when 
he  was  informed  that  we  had  been  listening  to  large  stories 
from  the  soldiers,  but  had  scarcely  expected  one  from  a  chap- 
lain. 


Sabbath,  June  18. 

My  last  day  at  the  hospital.  I  leave  to-morrow.  Early 
this  morning  picked  the  last  bouquet  from  our  garden  to  place 
in  the  ward,  and  pulled  the  first  mess  of  radishes  therefrom 
and  prepared  for  the  table  of  Ward  2  for  dinner.  Besides 
flowers,  these,  with  lettuces,  were  the  only  vegetables  planted. 

Thought  has  been  busied  with  retrospection  to-day,  and 
with  the  subject  of  woman's  influence  in  a  hospital.  And 
notwithstanding  that  there  is  much  feeling  upon  the  subject 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLIXGS.  209 

of  her  real  or  imagined  interference  with  professional  duties, 
yet  there  are  very  many  wise  and  noble  surgeons  in  the  ser- 
vice who  rightly  appreciate  woman's  influence  in  a  hospital, 
and  have  assisted  her  in  every  noble  word  and  work.  And  a 
pure,  true  woman  is  amply  repaid  for  working  her  way  quietly 
and  kindly  against  opposite  influences,  as  she  may  feel  assured 
that  her  efforts  are  blessed  to  the  sick  boys  in  her  care.  She 
is  amply  repaid  if  at  the  last  she  may  so  overcome  the  preju- 
dices of  a  physician  as  to  hear  him  say  what  was  said  to  one 
of  the  number  : — 

"  You  have  been  a  blessing  to  the  patients  and  a  help  to 
me — have  attended  to  your  own  duties  as  nurse  without  in- 
terfering with  those  of  mine  as  physician.  And  there  are 
those  whose  lives  are  due  to  your  care.  Some  were  very  low 
with  nervous  prostration  and  nostalgia — another  name  for 
home-sickness  —  and  your  conversation  and  attention  has 
aroused,  cheered,  strengthened  and  saved  them." 

Or  if  she  may  hear  from  one  and  another  patient,  as  the 
same  one  has  when  bidding  them  good-bye  for  the  last  time, 
such  words  as  these  : — 

"  I  shall  never  come  down  again  as  I  did  here  to  what  I 
thought  was  my  death-bed,  with  so  little  preparation.  I'm 
going  to  make  it  a  first  business  of  my  life  to  learn  how  to 
live,  that  I  may  not  be  afraid  to  die,  and  if  ever  I  am  a  better 
man  it  will  be  due  to  your  influence  and  your  counsels.  May 
God  forever  bless  you  ! " 

Or  if  one  might  have  such  a  beautiful  tribute  to  the  worth 
of  woman's  presence  among  sick  soldiers,  as  our  friend  Miss 
Miller,  of  Chicago,  received  on  board  the  floating  hospital 
called  the  Nashville,  near  Yicksburg.  There  had  been  no 
white  woman  on  the  boat  previous  to  her  arrival.  One  after- 
noon, as  she  stepped  into  one  of  the  wards  for  the  first  time, 
her  ear  caught  an  exclamation  of  surprise  from  the  inmate  of 


210 


HOSPITAL     PENCILLINGS. 


a  bed  not  far  distant,  and  turning  in  that  direction  she  saw  a 
sick  soldier,  with  hands  clasped  and  the  great  tears  absolutely 
raining  over  his  face,  as  he  gratefully  exclaimed  : 

"  Thank  God  ! — I  can  die  easier  now  since  I  have  seen  a 
woman's  face  once  more." 

And  despite  the  multiform  abuses  which  have  stained  the 
records  through  every  department,  during  this  great  rebellion, 
there  has  been  wrought  out  a  greater  good  and  higher  destinj- 
for  mankind,  than  we  may  well  realize,  and  the  former  sink 
into  insignificance  in  the  majesty  of  its  glorious  presence. 
Like  the  jDoet,  I 

"  Have  seen  it  in  the  watchfires 

Of  an  hundred  circling  camps  ;  " 

like  him,  have 


Read  it  in  a  fiery  gospel, 

"Writ  in  burnished  rows  of  steel, 

That  God  is  marching  on." 


And  we  know,  though  wrong  and  oppression  do  exist  in  high 
places,  yet  it  was  hot  in  vain  that 

"  They  went  forth  to  die ! 
Unnamed,  unnumbered,  like  the  desert  sand. 
Blown  to  build  up  a  bulwark  round  some  land, 
To  stay  the  sea  of  wrong  that  vainly  raves, 
Forever,  on  a  shore  of  patriot  graves. 

That  they  went  forth  to  die ;  " 

Neither  will  it  have  been  in  vain  to  all  future  ages,  that 


HOSPITAL    PEXCILLINGS.  211 

"  Ye  went  forth  to  save 
The  precious  offerings,  like  the  patriarch's,  given 
On  high  Moriah  in  the  faith  of  Heaven, 
To  stay  the  knife  ere  yet  its  point  be  hurled 
Through  hearts  which  hold  the  promise  of  the  world, 
That  ye  went  forth  to  save !  " 


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